Wildlife authority to be set up in Nov this year.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism has reaffirmed government commitments towards establishing a state owned wildlife authority later this year.

Deputy Minister Lazaro Nyalandu disclosed the government plan over the weekend, noting that the authority will come into operation in November.

The minister said upon its establishment, the authority will compliment anti-poaching efforts in the country.

Last year the government acknowledged in the House that it was putting final touches on plans to set up the authority, including earmarking its responsibilities.

He said that a task-force on the establishment of the authority had visited the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) and Ngorongoro Conservation Authority (NCA) to learn how they operate.

According to Nyalandu, the task-force was able to review operational structures of the two authorities which would enable it to advise on how the new authority should be set up and operate. Responsibilities and structure of the authority would be ready by September, this year.

He said drafting of a bill on establishment of the authority started in October and was completed by December last year.

He explained further that section 8 of the Wildlife Conservation Act of 2009 gives power to the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism to establish the wildlife authority.

The envisaged law and eventually the establishment of the authority are expected to increase revenues from forests, national parks and game reserves countrywide