THE World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is leading the way in international recognition of the new Rufiji Delta biosphere reserve encompassing Rufiji, Mafia, Kibiti and Kilwa districts, lately launched to start various tourism activities.

Khamis Hamza Khamis, the Union and Environment deputy state minister in the Vice President's Office (VPO) officiated the launch over the weekend in Rufiji, Coast Region.

Top officials from the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), the Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI), the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) and the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) attended the launch

The biosphere reserve decision was made May 2023 at plenary session of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at its headquarters in the French capital of Paris.

The decision provides an opportunity to join forces with the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, he said, noting that the work, parameters and principles of biosphere reserves are detailed in the statutory framework of the network.

It has 10 articles and provides guidelines for establishing biosphere reserves, with criteria for advertising and managing protected areas, taking into account particularities in each country and institutions managing the reserves.

All articles of the document have their importance, especially on managing the protected areas, he said, noting that RUMAKI is now on the list of biosphere reserves recognized by UNESCO.

This implies that the mangrove forests and natural forests located in Kibiti and Rufiji, the Kilwa ruins and the Mafia sea wilderness reserve will be supervised in accordance with local legislation.

"So after this launch, all the stakeholders of this reserve will be responsible for carrying out the duties of contributing to conservation and biodiversity in the sense of the richness of existing species in their areas, and genetic heritage,’ he stated, urging NEMC to work with other institutions to protect the newly proclaimed reserve.

He was asked the various agencies to ensure that the number of people does not increase in the reserve as increase in population causes destruction, putting at risk the new entity’s reputation as a biosphere reserve.

"Since experience shows that this reserve has not overlapped with other reserves in experiencing the challenges of fire, environmental pollution, deforestation including mangroves and illegal fishing, you should put in place systems of alert while conducting regular monitoring," he further appealed.

Dr Menan Jangu, the NEMC research director, said it is a matter of pride for the area to be included in world records given its endowment with important resources.

The reserve has helped to increase the number of biosphere reserves in the country, doing well due to efforts of government officials in t Coast and Lindi regions.

The area has been recognized as a biosphere reserve internationally due to having major characteristics of community development, conservation and spheres of living things that people will love to see for generations to come, he stated.

There are some areas where residents can carry on economic activities without affecting conservation but there are other areas that should be left untouched by such activities, he specified.

The new conservation zone will help to enhance tourism activities whereby, along with the benefits of the reserve, there will be challenges of fire and environmental impacts so people should work to protect the area, he added.