Activists Call for Transparency in Ngorongoro Resettlement Plans

Activists Call for Transparency in Ngorongoro Land and Resettlement Plans
Saturday, February 22, 2025

By Ramadhani Ismail

Tanzania’s Conservation and Heritage Initiatives (TCHI) has called for a transparent and inclusive approach to addressing land disputes and resettlement issues in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA). The organization is urging the government to involve local communities, conservation specialists, and civil society groups in the discussions surrounding these critical matters to ensure the outcome is both effective and equitable.

The recently established Presidential Commissions—tasked with assessing land disputes and evaluating voluntary resettlement processes in Ngorongoro—are expected to adopt a collaborative, transparent strategy to provide lasting solutions to these complex challenges.

In a statement released on Friday, February 21, 2025, TCHI commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her leadership in addressing the issues affecting the NCA. The organization emphasized the importance of carefully considering the diverse interests and the region’s unique biodiversity to ensure that both the local population’s needs and conservation efforts are properly balanced.

“As an entity dedicated to the preservation of Tanzania’s natural and cultural heritage, TCHI acknowledges the intricate nature of these issues,” stated Constantine Akitanda, the organization's CEO. The statement further highlighted that the NCA represents both a national and global treasure, calling for careful coordination between human development and environmental protection.

“We are confident that, under President Hassan’s leadership, these commissions will pave the way for peace and serve as a model for resolving similar challenges in other conservation areas,” the statement added.

TCHI also stressed the need for timely execution of the commissions' mandates, advocating for the fostering of trust and cooperation between government authorities and local communities. The organization expressed strong support for the President's initiative to tackle these urgent challenges, expressing optimism that the commissions would produce meaningful, long-lasting solutions that respect both human rights and ecological integrity.

The commissions were inaugurated on February 20, 2025, at a ceremony held at the State House in Dar es Salaam. The Land Disputes Commission, led by Court of Appeal Justice Dr. Gerald Ndika, comprises prominent figures, including retired Chief Secretary Philemon Luhanjo, former Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism Zakia Meghji, and environmental expert Dr. Richard Muyungi. This body will focus on resolving land-related disputes and proposing sustainable solutions.

Meanwhile, the Resettlement Assessment Commission, which is headed by retired Permanent Secretary Engineer Musa Iyombe, includes influential members such as Ambassador Valentino Mlowola and local community representatives like Rehema Moisare, a teacher and resident of Ngorongoro. This commission will assess the progress and effectiveness of the voluntary resettlement programme, ensuring it protects the rights of the people while maintaining the ecological balance of the NCA.