United Republic of Tanzania - Overview

Remark:

Please note that this country profile has been prepared by the Secretariat on the basis of information provided in the NBSAP and national reports, but has not been reviewed by the Party concerned.

Status and Trends of Biodiversity

Overview

As of 2003 the numbers and distribution of species found in Tanzania is: 10,008 plant species, 316 mammals, 229 breeding birds, 335 reptiles, 116 amphibians and 331 fish species. The status and trends of some components of biological diversity in the country include: the Indian Ocean Dugong (Dugong dugon) at the brink of extinction; the number of elephants has increased from 88,000 in 2000 to 120,000 in 2004; number of wildlife researchers has increased from 40 to about 105 by 2004; and there are 79 indigenous horticultural plant species (including 48 introduced fruit trees, 37 introduced vegetable crops and 40 indigenous vegetable crops)... More »

Number and Extent of Protected Areas

A total area of 17,449 sq km has been designated as protected area. There are 12 National Parks and 2 proposed National Parks, 34 Game Reserves, 1 Conservation Area, 1 Biosphere Reserve, 3 World Heritage Sites and 43 Game Controlled Areas. A more specific example is Rufiji where there are 1,160 sq km of Mangroves and several wetland areas... More »

National Biodiversity Strategy Action Plan

Major features of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan

Tanzania has identified several priority actions such as: implementation of policy and regulatory frameworks; enhancing regional and international cooperation; planning and coordination; education and information; research and development; ecosystems and species conservation and sustainable utilization; biodiversity monitoring... More »

Implementation of the Convention

Measures Taken to Achieve the 2010 Target

The most significant step taken by Tanzania was the development and implementation of the Environmental Management Act (2004), which addresses the issues of Protected Areas, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), genetic resources, in situ and ex situ conservation, Genetically Modified Organisms, and ecosystem conservation and management... More »

Initiatives in Protected Areas

Tanzania has adopted the National guidelines for the selection, establishment and management of protected areas. The Environment Management Act (EMA) of 2004 states that regulations made under this section may prescribe the promotion of environmentally sound and sustainable development in areas adjacent to protected areas with a view of furthering protection of these areas... More »

Initiatives for Article 8(j)

Tanzania has achieved, by incorporating traditional knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities in the EMA of 2004, an increase in the level of public awareness and cooperation among stakeholders on traditional and indigenous knowledge for sustainable utilization of biological resources. Specific projects undertaken for this article include: the sub-regional Gender, Biodiversity and local knowledge systems to strengthen Agriculture and Rural Development in Southern Africa (LinKS) project; traditional treatment for some animal and plant diseases; collection of information of case studies of the Maasai, Barbaig and Hadzabe communities on their interaction with the surrounding ecosystems; and encouraging revival and preservation of indigenous knowledge on sustainable utilization and management of resources... More »

National Contacts

Full details of national contacts »

Convention on Biological Diversity

Mrs. Esther Shushu Makwaia	CBD Primary NFP, Protected Areas NFP
Mr. Onesphory Maganya Kamukuru	Resource Mobilization FP
Permanent Secretary	ICNP ABS NFP
Mr. Rawson Piniel Yonazi	SBSTTA NFP

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety