REPORT REVEALS OPTIONS FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN LOLIONDO, SERENGETI ECOSYSTEM
An estimated 20,000 people are at risk of losing their land, along with a possible loss of USD $3,000,000 in annual revenue from livestock, according to a report published today by Tanzania Natural Resource Forum (TNRF).
The report reviews past and present conflicts in a disputed area in Loliondo (an area bordering Serengeti National Park) and it evaluates the different land use and land tenure options as well.
“This study is essential so that third-party, unbiased research is available on the Loliondo conflict,” explains Edward Loure, Coordinator of Ujamaa Community Resource Trust (UCRT). “I hope the findings can contribute to a sustainable and peaceful resolution,” he says.
Three main land options for the disputed area are identified and analyzed in the report—Game Controlled Area (GCA), Village Land and Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The report evaluates the potential economic, environmental and social impacts of each.
The findings show that the GCA option is substantially less favorable both economically and socially, as under a GCA people will be evicted from their homes and livestock production, the main source of livelihood inLoliondo, will decrease significantly. Currently, the Ortello Business Corporation of Dubai has exclusive hunting rights to the GCA, which brings in annual revenue of $819,000, significantly less than what tourism and livestock revenue could provide.
“It’s true that there’s not one silver bullet solution in Loliondo,” says Alais Morindat, Chair of TNRF, “but if a GCA is selected as the best option, then it should be a sign to all Tanzanian citizens that foreign interests are being put ahead of our own.”
The WMA option appears the most balanced compromise of all three, as it would allow land to remain under village ownership and management, but it would also ensure long-term conservation of this important ecosystem.
On Thursday, civil society organizations are hosting a meeting in Loliondo to present the report findings.
