Tourism Ambassadors Pledge to Protect the Kwakuchinja Wildlife Corridor

 

By Mussa Juma – Babati

Email: maipacarusha@gmail.com

Forty students selected as Conservation and Tourism Ambassadors in Babati District, Manyara Region, have pledged to protect the Kwakuchinja wildlife corridor located within the Burunge Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The corridor lies between Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks and is considered vital for wildlife movement and the national interest.

The students, drawn from four secondary schools within the Burunge WMA area, made the commitment after returning from an educational study tour to Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The training tour was fully sponsored by Chem Chem Association, a conservation-focused tourism institution.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Prosper Frank, a student from Mbughwe Secondary School in Babati District, said the knowledge gained from the tour would be used to educate communities and safeguard the Kwakuchinja corridor, which connects Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks.

> “We have gained valuable knowledge on the importance of conservation and tourism. As a result, we have adopted our own slogan: ‘The Kwakuchinja Corridor Shall Never Die.’ We will provide conservation education in schools and villages, and we request the government to involve us in meetings so that we can share our knowledge on conservation and tourism,” he said.

He explained that the group spent four days in the protected areas, not only visiting tourist attractions but also attending daily lessons on conservation, tourism, patriotism, and practical approaches to reducing human–wildlife conflict without causing harm. He noted that the training broadened their mindset and helped them realize their responsibility, as young people, to protect national natural resources with dedication and pride.

Speaking on behalf of the Babati District Commissioner, Divisional Officer Emmiliana Fred thanked Chem Chem for facilitating the training and emphasized that the government will continue to collaborate with investors to promote conservation and tourism in the country.

> “We have been informed that these students were selected after performing well in conservation and tourism assessments. Chem Chem, you have done a great job and we commend you. You have also explained that these educational tours will be conducted annually, and we believe they will contribute to improved academic performance among secondary school students in Manyara Region,” she said.

She added that the knowledge acquired by the students has positioned them as tourism ambassadors and will also equip them with skills for self-employment in tourism and conservation, enabling them to fight poverty rather than relying solely on formal government employment.

> “As the government, we will involve you students in public activities so that you can provide conservation education. We also urge you to share what you have learned in your schools, families, and surrounding communities,” she emphasized.

Chem Chem Association Director, Clever Zulu, said the organization believes the training will bring long-term positive change in conservation and tourism development—not only in Burunge WMA, where the students come from, but across the entire nation.

> “This training has produced future leaders—conservationists, professionals, professors, and doctors. We expect you to continue building on this foundation and to become strong ambassadors for conservation and tourism in Manyara Region,” he said.

He added that Chem Chem, which has invested in photographic tourism and lodge facilities within Burunge WMA, will continue working closely with the government and other stakeholders to ensure Burunge WMA becomes a unique conservation destination in Africa and continues to attract thousands of tourists.

> “We also commend the government for providing a supportive investment environment. As investors, we have decided to give back a portion of what we earn by directly supporting youth training in conservation and tourism. We have also donated a school bus, supported health, water, and education projects, and assisted women and youth groups,” he added.

Babati District Secondary Education Officer, Akaro John, who accompanied the students together with teachers, parents, and village leaders, said the team learned a great deal and believes the knowledge will significantly boost tourism in Babati District and Manyara Region.

> “The tour was very beneficial. We had experts in tourism, conservation, and social development. We believe these students will make good use of the knowledge they gained to advance tourism and conservation,” he said.

The head of the students’ delegation, a tour guide from Kananga Company, said the team worked closely with the students to instill discipline, teach the economic importance of conservation and tourism to the nation, and emphasize the protection of the Kwakuchinja wildlife corridor as a key solution to reducing human–wildlife conflict.

Speaking on behalf of the parents, Dr. Benson Andrea commended Chem Chem for investing in the education of their children and for its broader contribution to conservation and tourism development. He affirmed that communities from the ten villages surrounding Burunge WMA will continue to support Chem Chem in its conservation initiatives.

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