Wildlife
Our organization is deeply committed to the conservation and protection of wildlife resources in Tanzania, with primary focus on achieving sustainable wildlife use. Our approache involves extensive efforts to engage and support local communities in understanding the boundaries around wildlife protected areas, which encompass National parks and Game reserves and critical wildlife corridors and buffer zones.
We recognize the interconnectedness of wildlife conservation and community well-being. In that case, we actively implement outreach programs and projects designed to enhance the livelihoods of local communities. These initiatives play an important role in addressing and preventing challenges arising from human activities that impact wild animals adversely.
OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
Capacity Building Training on Wildlife Corridor- Buffer zone to Locals at Wami Mbiki Game Reserve
As part of our commitment to community resilience and environmental conservation, GERF conducted a capacity building training for 25 local leaders in Ubena Zomozi , a small ward in Chalinze District bordering the Wami Mbiki Game Reserve in the year 2023. This initiative followed a field survey carried out by our team, which revealed that Ubena Zomozi lies within a key wildlife corridor- buffer zone where elphants frequently migrate from Wami Mbiki to Nyerere National Park. Unfortunately, this movement has led to significant destruction of farmland and property, posing a serious challenge to the livelihoods and safety of local communities. Through the training , GERF equipped community leaders with vital knowledge and tools to help raise awareness among other residents about living safely alongside wildlife.
The training covered
- Understanding elephant migration patterns
- Techniques for reducing human- elephant conflict
- Best practices for farm proctection and early warning systems
- Collaborative approaches to conservation and safety
By strengthening the leardership and awareness within the community, GERF aims to foster local solution that protect both people and wildlife. The trained leaders are now ambassorders of change, ready to educate their fellow community members on how to mitigate risks and coexist with nature.
This effort is a crucial step toward building a more informed, prepared and resilient community, while also contributing to the sustainable conservation of Tanzania's precious wildlife corridors.
Our key strategies is empowering the communities with altenative sources of income. Through initiatives like beekeeping, eco tourism projects, and cultural training programs, we strive to provide sustainable and viable alternatives that not only contribute to local economies but also foster a harmonious coexistince between communities and wildlife.
GERF endeavors to create a comprehensive and inclusive approach to wildlife conservation by combining boundary awareness, and sustainable livelihood projects, thereby promoting a balanced and enduring relationship between humans and the natural world.