By a Correspondent
Grumeti Fund, a Non for profit Organization(NPO) that supports wildlife conservation efforts and local community development in Western Serengeti of Mara Region, yesterday joined global stakeholders to celebrate World Ranger Day.
The celebrations involved game rangers from the Ikorongo- Grumeti Game Reserves and conservation stakeholders, including local leaders having significant contributions towards sustainable conservation of the wildlife game reserves.
Grumeti Fund General Manager, Matt Perry lauded the game rangers for unwavering hard work of protecting wildlife for the present and future generations.
“On behalf of Grumeti Fund and Grumeti Reserves LTD, we are saying thank you so much for the good job,” Mr Perry told the rangers.
He appealed for continued concerted efforts aiming at fostering sustainable conservation in the area, which is blessed with a variety of beautiful wild animals including the ‘Big Five.’
The colourful event which was held at the Grumeti Fund’s Environmental Education Centre ground was graced by the Mara Regional Commissioner ( RC), Colonel Evans Mtambi and attended by senior government officials including the new Serengeti District Commissioner, Ms Kemirembe Lwota.
The RC urged government security agencies to ensure all wildlife conservation areas remain free from poachers and any other destructive elements.
He called for tough legal actions against anyone found “playing or destroying” wildlife conservation areas, including the Serengeti National Park.
Ikorongo – Grumeti Game Reserves border Serengeti, the world-famous park, one of the country’s major tourist destinations attracting thousands of tourists from different parts of the world. The game reserves also share border with Ikona Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Western Serengeti.
“I call upon security agencies to take stern measures against anyone carrying out any sort of activity aimed at destroying wildlife conservation areas. The government will take action and we will continue doing so to ensure that our wildlife conservation areas are completely safe,” the RC ordered.
The regional boss also commended Grumeti Fund for supporting efforts being made by the government of Tanzania to protect and conserve wild animals, including the endangered species in the area.
Beside supporting wildlife conservation, Grumeti Fund also supports community development initiatives in many villages located near Ikorongo-Grumeti Game Reserves and Ikona WMA in Serengeti and Bunda districts.
Speaking during the ranger’ day, which is celebrated on July 31st every year, the Ikorongo- Grumeti Commanding Officer, Mr Namsifu Marwa reassured the RC that his squad will protect the game reserves at any cost.
Mr Marwa also told the RC that the Ikorongo -Grumeti Game Reserves, which works under the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) has an exemplary private partnership with the Grumeti Fund.