Minister Kijaji Warns Kilimanjaro National Park Arsonists, Poachers Of Tough Legal Action
Tourism and Natural Resources Minister, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, has issued a stern warning to people suspected of starting fires and engaging in poaching and other illegal activities inside Kilimanjaro National Park, saying the government will arrest and take strong legal action against those found responsible.
Dr Kijaji issued the warning after paying a special inspection visit to areas affected by fire inside Kilimanjaro National Park, where locations allegedly being used by people involved in illegal poaching and environmental destruction were identified.
Preliminary investigations have revealed the presence of poaching, illegal hunting and tree cutting for the production of poles, with camps allegedly used by individuals involved in such activities identified in some areas.
It has also been reported that some fires were lit while illegal activities were being carried out.
During the visit, the minister was accompanied by conservation officials, regional security and defence forces, as well as the Fire and Rescue Force. The team used helicopters and drone technology to inspect various areas affected by the fire.
The minister said the inspection had revealed illegal activities inside the park, including poaching, illegal hunting and cutting trees for making poles. Some areas were also found to contain camps allegedly used by people involved in such activities.
Dr Kijaji said some of the fires had been linked to illegal activities taking place inside the affected areas, stressing that the government would not tolerate people who endanger the security of the park and its natural resources.
“The government will not tolerate people involved in activities that threaten the security of Kilimanjaro National Park and its resources. We will ensure that everyone found to be involved is arrested and faces strong legal action in accordance with the law,” she said.
She said the use of helicopters and drone technology had enabled the team to identify various areas allegedly being used by people engaged in illegal activities, a development that has now expanded the scope of security operations inside the park.
“We have identified illegal activities taking place inside the park, including poaching, illegal hunting and cutting trees for making poles. We have also seen camps used by people involved in these activities,” she said.
Dr Kijaji said the government would continue strengthening security, patrols and the use of technology to protect Kilimanjaro National Park from activities that could threaten its natural resources.
She also commended conservation officials, security and defence forces, as well as the Fire and Rescue Force, for their continued efforts to contain the fire.
She said the fire had been brought under control to a large extent as a result of the ongoing efforts, while various teams continued operations in the affected areas.
“I commend you for the great efforts you are making to fight this fire. As a result of the extensive work being carried out, the fire has so far been contained to a large extent,” she said.
She urged communities living near Kilimanjaro National Park to continue working with the government by providing information about plans or activities that could threaten the protected area and exposing individuals involved in poaching, illegal hunting and environmental destruction.
The minister said cooperation between the government, local communities and conservation stakeholders is essential to ensuring that Kilimanjaro National Park remains safe and protected for the benefit of Tanzanians and future generations.