An Investigation of the Legal Framework against Illegal Wildlife Activities in the Context of Wildlife Tourism in Tanzania

Abstract

Tanzania is one of the richest nations when it comes to the existence of wildlife in the world and wildlife tourism is among the important sector in the country, Tanzania being the richest nation on the existence of wildlife, has a number of national parks, game reserves and conservation areas namely Serengeti, Mikumi, Arusha, Mahale Mountains, Katavi, Saadan, Kitulo, Udzungwa Mountains, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mkomazi, Tarangire, Gombe, Selous, Lake Manyara and many others which are habitats for an immense diversity of flora and fauna, including elephants,, lions, rhinos, crocodiles, wildflowers and many other.  This provides an advantage to the state and its individual since it contributes a portion towards the government income by way of tax and it participates towards individual persons gain through different business opportunities such as tourist agencies, hotel accommodation, tour guides, drivers and many other economic opportunities. Tanzania being among the few nations in the world with the gift of wildlife has established a number of legal and Institution regimes to fight against illegal activities against wildlife within its jurisdiction. While wildlife tourism in Tanzania presents a sensitive aspect that showcases the country to the world, it faces several challenges that hinder its flourishing existence. One significant issue is illegal wildlife trade, involving illicit-protected species. This detrimental factor has a substantial impact on wildlife tourism, as it disrupts the fundamental components of the industry, namely flora and fauna, thus exacerbating the threat to its future sustainability.