This year, CWMAC has run a campaign to recognize and empower Village Game Scouts (VGS), the frontline defenders of Tanzania’s Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). A key milestone was the formation of their platform which will be bringing them together to discuss successes and challenges in their operations and share experiences. This is followed by the issuance of official identification cards to over 83 VGS, formalizing their roles and enhancing their authority. This step has boosted morale and strengthened their position in combating poaching and protecting wildlife.
The campaign also achieved a landmark by integrating and training over 100 female VGS, advancing gender equality in conservation efforts. These women are now actively contributing to WMA management, bringing new perspectives to ranger teams. “Being a female VGS shows that women have an equal role in protecting our wildlife and communities,” said Hawa Ligoma, one of the newly trained scouts from Mbarang’andu WMA. This initiative highlights CWMAC’s commitment to inclusivity and leadership diversity in conservation.
To support the VGS, CWMAC established a new ranger post in five WMAs of Kimbanda, Kisungule, Nalika, Mbarang’andu and Chingoli and developed National VGSs’ Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to improve operational efficiency. “The new posts and SOPs have made a huge difference in how we operate,” said Sefu Kitunda, a VGS from Mbarang’andu WMA. By providing these resources and amplifying the recognition of VGS, we affirm our critical role in safeguarding Tanzania’s biodiversity while demonstrating the power of community-led conservation efforts.