The ambitious future began taking shape at Ipole WMA, where CWMAC, with the generous support of the Association For The Development of Protected Areas (ADAP), led a participatory review of the WMA’s constitution. The existing constitution had served its purpose fr years, but it no longer reflected the on-the-ground realities and aspirations of the communities living alongside the wildlife. series of meetings, community leaders, district officials, and community representatives outdated provisions and co-crafted a bold new constitution that speaks to today’s needs.
The changes are transformative. Among many, for the first time, the revised constitution mandates that;
- At least 60% of all WMA revenue will go directly to community development projects, such as funding schools, clinics, and vital infrastructure in members’ villages. is reserved for operational needs, keeping the WMA strong and effective.
- WMA now has the authority to withhold funds from any villages that fail to address encroachment or poaching on its land, a decisive measure to safeguard shared natural resources for future generations.
These provisions are a vision and empowerment. By dedicating revenue to development, the new constitution turns conservation into tangible improvements in people’s daily lives.
It firmly places communities in the driver’s seat, transforming them from rule-followers into rule-makers who shape how conservation is done. This strengthened ownership and accountability will ensure that the benefits of conservation are shared fairly and sustainably among all stakeholders. The draft is now pending review by the District Natural Resources Advisory Board, but even at this stage, it’s a decisive step toward a Tanzania where people and nature thrive together. CWMAC is proud to have facilitated this process, as it embodies our core belief: when you empower communities to lead, conservation and development go hand in hand.