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Normally our “Insight into Africa” emails are full of fun and entertaining information on Africa and its wildlife. Unfortunately, at times we need to turn to something more serious. In late July, Tanzania’s President Jakaya Kikwete announced the government's intention to proceed in 2012 with plans to build a highway cutting through the heart of the northern Serengeti, one of the greatest wildlife refuges on the planet. This plan should be of concern to all who love Africa and its wildlife as the proposed highway would bisect the route of the great migration, the annual movement of more than a million wildebeest, zebra and other animals. Though the road is initially going to be a gravel road, any road built across the northern Serengeti will bring an immediate flood of traffic and large trucks to the area, potentially creating increased human-animal conflict in the form of accidents, poaching and disruption of wildlife. Visitors' experience of the Serengeti will also be affected. There are alternative plans that have been proposed calling for the highway to be routed farther south, thereby leaving the Serengeti and the great migration route undisturbed. Sadly, the Tanzanian government seems to be going forward with the initial plan. Development is necessary for Tanzania, but tourism is currently one of its strongest economic sectors; we in the tourism industry have appealed to the government to seek the alternative that does not negatively impact the incomparable experience of the Serengeti. If you would like to support EXPLORE'S statement of concern to the Tanzanian President and Ministry of Tourism, please send us an email (info@exploreafrica.net) and we will forward your comments to relevant parties. Thank you for your concern! |
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