Tour Guide, Arusha, Tanzania
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MASELAVE provides an institutional framework for the participation of all stakeholders in discussions and activities to save the pristine Magu-Serengeti Ecosystem, cultural and natural resources.
The MASELAVE SECRETARIAT is based at Bubinza Village, near Magu district Headquarters. It is charged with the task of implementing, in close consultation with the Management Committee, the decisions of the MASELAVE membership. It plans, directs and reports on the progress made in carrying out the actions agreed upon by the members.
Working closely with Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), Wildlife Division, Magu District Council, MASELAVE’s broad-based membership aims to safeguard the integrity of the Serengeti National Park, Ndagalu Central Government Forest Reserves and propel local community development and empowerment.
Our mission:
To be the platform for constructive dialogue and discussion and sharing of ideas and resources for the conservation, sustainable use and social development of Magu-Serengeti-Lake Victoria Ecosystem in the northwestern zone of Tanzania
What we promote:
Dialogue, network and linkage among Magu-Serengeti-Lake Victoria Ecosystem Stakeholders in Tanzania as well as in the regional and International arenas.
Conservation and wise use of local resources by initiating and implementing interventions on critical and emerging issues.
Community development and capacity building in areas adjacent to Magu--Serengeti-Lake Victoria Ecosystem (especially who are living along Simiyu and Duma rivers where the ecosystem is totally destroyed)
a. We currently gather ideas in cooperation with the local communities and we write proposals in order to seek funds for the projects we decide upon.
b. We are also looking for national and international volunteers to work on particular projects on site with us!
Our Projects
*We are currently writing project proposals and are looking for funds and members to support us!!
Building and equipping an office for Friends of MASELAVE atBubinzavillage
Support of the establishment of the Simiyu and Duma rivers Wildlife Management Area
Awareness campaigns in the villages: how to deal with “problem animals“
Assistance in theGIS based Ecological Monitoring Program for Magu-Busega and Serengeti buffer Zones located in the area (Simiyu and Duma rivers)
An assistance of the Magu District Authorities in the implementation of a sustainable utilization of the forest reserves along Simiyu and Duma rivers.
Support of the Veterinary program for cattle in villages around these rivers and who is a neighbour to Serengeti National Park
Promotion of Research in buffer zones around Magu-Busega- Serengeti National Park
Where we Work
Our project area contains buffer zones of Serengeti National Park along Lamadi, Kalemela Nassa, Masanza, Ndagalu and the surrounding forest reserves of Simiyu River and Duma River as well as the village land adjacent to these.
Photographic tourism, timber, and non-timber products from the woodlands, agriculture and grazing are the main land uses of the Magu-Serengeti ecosystem. The neighboring communities are poor and depend on for their livelihoods a lot of nature’s resources. These natural resources are endangered to be overexploited by the ever-growing human population. Wildlife corridors are still unprotected and forest reserves need more effective control to ensure sustainable use.
The village communities need to be supported in health and educational issues since malaria and other diseases weaken them and schooling system does not reach a qualitative level.
The natural vegetation contains large woodlands and wide floodplains from Simiyu River, as well as shrublands. The wildlife is still abundant; particularly the protected areas harbour herds of zebras, wildebeest, bushbuck, bush pig, topis, kongonis, and skull of hippos in Duma and Simiyu rivers, carnivores like hyenas, jackals, cheetah, and the rare and threatened wild dogs.
Threats to Magu-Serengeti-Lake Victoria Ecosystem
i. Rapid human population growth has resulted in overuse and conversion of a large proportion of the landscape into agricultural areas leading to the reduction of wildlife habitats, buffer zone habitats, and closure of migratory corridors.
ii. Lack of conservation education and awareness among the local communities in the ecosystem.
iii. Degradation due to poor agriculture practices, charcoal burning and unsustainable irrigation
iv. Lack of comprehensive approaches in community development programs and schooling system.
v. Immigration of large livestock herds and overgrazing, wildfires, and deforestation which are also causing water pollution and siltation of Simiyu and Duma River.
vi. Poaching of wild animals and unsustainable illegal harvesting of plants leading to local extinction of animal and plant species.
vii. Higher levels of poverty, illiteracy and other social malaise leading to poor ability to economic emancipation.
Why to Magu-Serengeti-Lake Victoria Ecosystem
Magu-Serengeti harbors a true representation of savanna woodland in Tanzania, it protects and conserves important wetlands of Simiyu, Duma and Lamadi village located along Speke Gulf of Lake Victoria which are critical habitats for wildlife and essential water reserves for human livelihood in the dry season.
I. It consists of diverse range of spectacular landscapes – open grassland plains, riverine forests, hills and Lake Victoria.
II. It hosts a high large mammal biomass, harboring skulls of hippos in Duma and Simiyu rivers, varieties of wetland and savanna woodland bird species are also available.
Against this background, Rafiki Wa MASELAVE working with all stakeholders, it aims to safeguard the future of Magu-Serengeti ecosystem by;
I. Increasing interest in and support of Magu-Serengeti, both locally and internationally by organizing talks and guided tours both in park and in the surrounding ecosystem. Writing informative articles in the local media and providing a forum for discussion on issues impacting upon the ecosystem.
II. Keeping abreast of developments around the ecosystem in order to influence any decisions that could block migratory routes or otherwise adversely affect the wildlife.
III. Assisting the protected areas management through staff infrastructure development, capacity building equipment, visitors education, game counts and research improving relations between protected area management and neighboring communities through conservation education.
IV. Collaborating with other groups or donors to support sustainable human development activities that are consistent wildlife conservation and its wise use.
V. Fundraising for special projects and events benefiting the protected areas and the communities in the ecosystem.
History of Rafiki Wa Magu-Serengeti-Lake Victoria Ecosystem
The idea was conceived by a group of conservationists from Side by African Adventure Safaris Limited and Journalist friend Mr. Paschal Nkwabi from Radio Free Africa and Ms. Adela Deogratius from Help Age Organization who were touched by the degradation of nature and poverty of the people.