REGROW project elevates Mikumi National Park

MOROGORO: MIKUMI National Park has recorded significant achievements attributed to the implementation of the Resilient Natural Resources Management for Tourism and Growth (REGROW) project, which has brought about historic changes in the tourism and conservation sectors within the Southern Tanzania conservation corridor.

The project has introduced various modern infrastructures within the park, including the construction of an airport. This development has been a game-changer, significantly increasing the number of tourists arriving from different regions. Confirming the achievements, Augustine Massesa, the Chief Park Warden for Mikumi, said the REGROW project has brought a change in the tourism industry.

He said the construction of the modern airport has made a historic change.

“Previously, we used to receive 13 small planes a day, but nowadays we welcome up to 30 large aircrafts carrying between 35 and 40 passengers.” The nearly completed airport has increased the number of visitors and opened up new economic opportunities for the surrounding communities.

The park now receives visitors from both within Tanzania and abroad, making a substantial contribution to the national economy. Another major achievement, Massesa highlighted, is the availability of electricity from the national grid via TANESCO, which has reduced the high costs of running diesel-powered generators.

He explained that the use of electricity has relieved daily operations and provided a boost to the efficiency of conservation and tourism projects.

“Before the REGROW project, we relied on dieselpowered generators, which were costly. But now, with electricity from the national grid, we are able to work more efficiently and at a lower cost,” he said.

On the economic front, the REGROW project has significantly increased revenue. Last year, the park earned 6.4bn/- from 138,800 visitors.

This year, during the second quarter, the park has already surpassed last year’s revenue, with expectations to double the earnings by the end of the year.

The REGROW project has also contributed significantly to the local communities, creating jobs and providing development opportunities.

“The infrastructure has been a major catalyst for development in our community,”

“We have seen an increase in job opportunities and business prospects, which has raised the incomes of many families in the surrounding areas.” he added.

In general, the REGROW project has led to major improvements at Mikumi National Park, including a rise in the number of visitors, increased revenue and enhanced electricity services and infrastructure.

This is a testament to the positive impacts of environmentally sustainable tourism, which offers great hope for the future of conservation and tourism in Tanzania.

Massesa said, “This project has brought significant changes to our park and to the entire nation. We believe that these strategies will make us a major global attraction for tourism and conservation.” The success of the REGROW project is a demonstration of how innovation in infrastructure and park management can transform both the lives of local people and the regional economy. Speaking on tourist statistics, Conservation Ranger II Fatuma Mcharazo said that there has been a remarkable increase in number of visitors since the REGROW project was launched.

“In 2017/2018, the number was 59,260 with a revenue of 2.5 bn/-. Now, for the 2023/2024 season, visitor numbers have risen to 138,844, with revenue reaching 6.6 bn/-, ” she said.

Meanwhile, Kai Lutkat, a tourist from Germany visiting Mikumi from Zanzibar, expressed satisfaction with the improved infrastructure and quality service at the park.

“Tanzanians are very hospitable. Since arriving here in Mikumi, we have been treated with great respect and warmth. The guides are calm and friendly,” he said.

The REGROW project, a government initiative funded by the World Bank with a total budget of 150 million US dollars (approximately 345 bn/-), aims to enhance the management of natural resources and tourism assets in southern Tanzania while providing alternative livelihood opportunities for local communities.

Officially launched in 2017, the project was initially set to conclude in 2023, but was extended until February 2025 after a midterm review in 2020, which took into account delays caused by implementation challenges.

The project’s primary objectives include improving natural resource management, promoting sustainable tourism, reducing local communities’ dependence on protected areas and boosting the tourism sector’s contribution to Tanzania’s economic development.