Combating Poaching and Illegal Logging in Tanzania: Voices of the Rangers-Hands-on Experiences from the Field

RECOMMENDATIONS

WILDLIFE CRIME

The overall finding of the training programme and evaluation period is that the effective means to defeat poaching at the supply side have been identified. There is no shortage of new and creative ideas; rather what is lacking is depth of commitment in terms of training and resources. Both national governments in the region and the international community must move beyond conference agreements and into demonstrating commitment at the front line. This will require much more significant dedicated support from the development community to these national plans and to their enforcement, prosecutions and the judiciary. Most of the funds do not reach the front line in combating poaching or illegal logging – leaving the parks and lands severely underprotected. 1

Initiate a programme focusing on training APUs and park rangers on operational planning and information management. Experience from Tanzania shows that in spite of often skilful and highly dedicated rangers and commanders, there is vast room for further training and subsequent support to improve tactical skills and further strengthen capacities, even with limited resources. Further training support to coordination and management of information, in addition to tactical training of patrol planning and patrol skills, could help improve the creation of long-term plans for operations based on intelligence collected from the current situation and environment. Patrol reports and plans should be produced in writing. Please see the field evaluation below for details. 2

Rangers on patrol in Tarangire National Park, November 2014

59