Longido, Arusha – Residents of Longido District have been called upon to protect the ecosystem of the Enduimet Wildlife Management Area (WMA) to ensure continued economic and environmental benefits from conservation.
The call was made by the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ashatu Kijaji (MP), during the Prime Minister’s public meeting with residents of Longido District in Arusha Region.
Dr. Kijaji noted that communities surrounding legally protected areas, including Arusha National Park and Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA), continue to benefit significantly from conservation initiatives.
She revealed that during the 2024/2025 financial year, Enduimet WMA generated TSh 1.3 billion, while Longido District Council received more than TSh 700 million from photographic and hunting tourism activities.
The Minister emphasized that these revenues demonstrate the direct economic value of conservation to local communities. She therefore urged residents to continue cooperating with the Ministry in protecting the ecosystem from destructive activities such as livestock encroachment, bush fires, and poaching.
“Conservation is not only about protecting wildlife; it is about improving livelihoods and ensuring sustainable development for present and future generations,” she stressed.
The Government continues to strengthen community-based conservation models to ensure that citizens living near protected areas directly benefit from tourism and wildlife resources.
