A community wildlife management association of 22 villages, Matumizi Bora ya Malihai Idodi na Pawaga (MBOMIPA) Wildlife Management Area works with the 30,000 people living adjacent to Ruaha National Park on sustainable natural resource management and anti-poaching efforts. The association has brought community livelihoods focused on wildlife protection into harmony with biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship. Revenue has been invested into health, education, and infrastructure. Ecotourism increased income tenfold in 2011. The association has adopted a “human rights of wildlife” approach, where the protection of wildlife is central to community wellbeing. Living fences are used to support food security by keeping elephants and other wildlife from destroying crops. MBOMIPA Wildlife Management Area is recognized as best practice in Tanzania and is being replicated in other regions to protect wildlife and promote sustainable livelihoods.

 

Key Facts 

Equator Prize Winner: 2014

Founded: 1997

Location: Iringa region, central Tanzania

Beneficiaries: 21 villages, 56,000 people

Area of Focus: Biodiversity, Ruaha National Park;
Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem; iconic African wildlife

 

Case Study

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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