Countering Poaching in Tanzania

People & Wildlife, Ltd.

Kyle Simon, Mahmut Guler, Rachel Coolican

1. Analyses of the Poaching Problem2. Review of Previous Policies3. Policy Recommendations

Agenda

Poaching In Tanzania

● Threat to Endangered Animal Populations

● Threat to the Tanzanian Economy

● National Security Implications

http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/africa/tz.htm

Anti-Poaching Measures

Operation Uhai (Swahili for Life)● Implementation

○ Decisive Political Will○ Paramilitary Forces○ 1989 Ivory Trade Ban

● Outcome○ Elephant Population in Selous Doubled in 10 yrs

Poaching Resurgence

● Half of Elephant population lost since 2007

● 25,000 Elephants killed between 2009 and 2013

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/46467599/ns/us_news-poaching?q=poaching

Operation Tokomeza

● Success

○ Only 2 Elephants poached in 1 month instead of 30 per day from 1976 - 2009

● Failures

○ Operation suspended 1 month after implementation (Nov 2013)

○ Exceeded Authority and Human Rights Violations

Resurgence since Tokomeza

● Requirements for Success: ○ Political determination○ Public support○ Effective law enforcement with transparency

and accountability.

Recommendations:Operation Walinzi Pori

1. Security Sector Reform2. Strict Legal Measures3. Location and Timing4. Local Empowerment

and Sustainability

http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/files/2014/08/African-elephant-Tanzania.jpg

Security Sector Reform

● Counter-poaching is a highly militarized activity○ To that end, the following is required...

Increased Professionalization of Security Forces

● Two Infantry Companies Recommended● Pre-Pilot Training Required

○ Small Unit Tactics○ Maneuver Under Fire○ Small Arms Familiarization○ First Aid

● Human Rights Awareness

Legislative Recommendations

● Increased Prison Terms for Violations● Penalties for State-Employed Facilitators

and Human Rights Violators● No Diplomatic Privilege Recognized on exit

of Tanzania

Location: Tarangire National Park

● Heavy Traffic● Farmers, Tourists,

Poachers, Elephants● Predictable Migration● Proximity to Arusha City and Kenyan Border

Pilot Implementation

● June - October○ Seasonal Weather Conditions (Spring)○ Migratory Patterns

Local Empowerment

● NGO Partnering○ The Wildlife Conservation Society

● Protection of Migratory Corridors○ The Wildlife Policy of Tanzania

● Wildlife Protection for Social Services○ The African Wildlife Foundation

● Bomas○ The Honeyguide Foundation

● Information Gathering and Local Partnerships

When to Destroy an Animal

● Farmers’ Livelihoods● Local Authority Notification● Seizure and Destruction of Ivory

○ Failure results in “poaching incident” label

Questions?