German Journalists At Selous to Raise Funds for Campaign

Six journalists from Germany are in Ruvuma Region on a three-day tour to raise funds for energising the anti-poaching campaign in Selous National Park.

Speaking to The Citizen on Tuesday, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) representative Mr Johannes Kirchgater, said the tour is also part of efforts to open up the Southern Zone tourism circuit to the world.

Mr Kirchgater added that besides using journalists, WWF will use social media, including Youtube, to attract tourists.

"We are targeting more than three million people who are watching Youtube as we seek funds for conservations," Mr Kirchgater said.

A Namtumbo District Wildlife Officer, Mr Ernest Nomba, said the lack of vehicles, personnel and weapons are some of the drawbacks in the anti-poaching campaign in the Park.

He called on wananchi living in the neighbourhood of the park not to collaborate with poachers.

According to Aerial Census Survey for Elephants conducted in 2014, about 10,000 elephants in Ruaha-Rungwa ecosystem have disappeared.

However, the survey also shows that in Selous Game Reserve, the world's largest conserved area with about 55,000 square kilometres, has increased to 15,217 from 13,000 in 2013.