The annual march for elephants and rhinos will this year be conducted in Arusha City on Nyerere day (Oct 14) to honour the Father of the nation’s passion for wildlife conversation.
Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) says it has opted to change the annual event from the usual October 4th previously observed to mark the World Animal day to better suit the country’s context and to highlight the first president’s commitment to conservation.
“We have decided to hold our march for elephant and rhinos on Nyerere Day to honour the contribution of Mwalimu Nyerere to wildlife conservation” explains the TATO Chairman Willy Chambullo.
Recalling, he said back in 1961, Nyerere made a maiden statement to a Symposium on Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources in Modern African States (organised by CCTA/IUCN - Arusha) now known as the Arusha Manifesto.
"The survival of our wildlife is a matter of grave concern to all in Africa. These wild creatures amid the wild places they inhabit are not only important as a source of wonder and inspiration, but are an integral part of our natural resources and of our future livelihood and well being.” Mwalimu is quoted saying.
“By accepting the trusteeship of our wildlife we solemnly declare that we will do everything in our power to make sure our children's grandchildren will be able to enjoy this rich and precious inheritance.” Nyerere said.
TATO’s vice-Chairman, Zukher Fazal says as a result of Nyerere’s commitment, for a long time the world considered Tanzania among progressive countries that accord highest legal protection to their natural resources against unsustainable economic development needs.
“We want to remember the Father of the nation by actions…this is why we want the march for elephants and rhinos to coincide with Nyerere day,” he explained.
Themed: ”Save Elephants and Rhinos from extinction’ this year’s march will be presided over by the Arusha Regional Commissioner, Magesa Mulongo.
The march is considered as the most effective tool in raising public awareness on importance of conservation, the march that is annually co-hosted by TATO in collaboration with the government, has also been a key platform for both the public and the private sector to brainstorm on conservation issues.
In Tanzania, more than 35,000 elephants are killed every year while a rhino is slaughtered once every 9-11 hours at the continental level.
TATO says, their only hope for survival lies in immediate end to the ivory and rhino horn trade both legal and illegal to give them a chance to recover from decades of mass slaughter.
TATO's aim is to create awareness and put pressure on deciding bodies in countries which are the predominant destined markets, particularly in the Far East.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
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