Violence in Arusha - During an opposition party rally yesterday, several people were killed and many injured after police fired tear gas into a crowd. See Reuters. More background and commentary here. What this political and civil unrest ultimately means for the Serengeti highway is unclear. But it certainly complicates our task. UNESCO sent an Emergency Mission, led by the head of the World Heritage Committee, to the Serengeti in December. We're waiting for their report. We have some idea of what it will say -- the road will devastate the ecosystem and migration. Tanzania is obliged to file its own report to UNESCO on the status of the highway project - due February 1. Read more We have learned from a number of sources that the government of Tanzania has heard, and was surprised by, the international opposition. There is some talk of finding funds for a southern route, especially the hope of getting Germany on board. Of course, there are other countries and institutions that could join in. Our current petition is directed to them. |
Friends of the Serengeti Program Serengeti Watch is not just about stopping the highway. It's about a perfect storm of forces that threaten the entire ecosystem: increasing population, poaching, airport and lodge development, and governance. We need to create an alliance of support that can provide long term protection. Part of this is enlisting the help of the international travel industry. We will soon be launching ourFriends of the Serengeti Program, which will invite the participation of private companies and travel associations. |
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