Social safeguards are now an important part of nature conservation. They define how we actively involve the people, protect their rights, and help ensure that their perspectives are heard. Therefore, we are introducing a complaints and feedback system throughout our project areas: In 22 villages in Serengeti District, for example, community representatives will serve as contact persons for comments, questions, or complaints. They are elected by the communities themselves and will receive communication support and training from us. People will also be able to provide feedback through a toll-free number or feedback boxes – including anonymous options. What is important is that concerns – such as conflicts with wildlife or disputes over land-use rights – are recorded, tracked and addressed and reflected in our work.

Social safeguards help us foster mutual understanding and identify and address potential conflicts related to our conservation work at an early stage. The experiences and needs – as well as the trust – of the people living near protected areas are crucial to preserving nature for all of us in the long term. When people feel that their rights and concerns are taken seriously, it contributes to stable cooperation in the field of nature conservation. That is why, for example, we support participatory land-use planning in various communities in Tanzania and help people to secure the land on which they live. For example, in Tarime District – located between Serengeti National Park and the Mara River – more than 500 “Certificates of Customary Right of Occupancy” were issued last year – one important step towards security of land tenure, especially for women and marginalized families.

In the regions where we work, different interests often come together – whether it’s nature conservation, agriculture, livestock grazing, or tourism. Such criticism can be important and justified, and it helps organizations like ours reflect and improve. At the same time, local realities are often more complex than public debates suggest. We also face external pressure: international debates on nature conservation don’t always take local realities sufficiently into account. Criticism can be important and justified – but it can also unintentionally complicate local cooperation. Our approach is to create transparency, listen carefully to very different perspectives, and help to build trust where interests do not immediately align. This is an ongoing learning process – for us as an organization as well.

As a Tanzanian, I am proud of our unique natural environment – from the Serengeti with its herds of wildebeest to the lush Mahale Mountains, home to the country’s largest chimpanzee population. And I am proud to be part of ZGF, which has been championing their protection for many years. Today, we are setting new standards in this area – including in the social sphere – and I am motivated to play an active role in shaping this work. It is important to me that people know their rights, can voice their concerns, and are involved in developments that affect their lives. My hope is that in 20 years, people will be even stronger partners in nature conservation and will be able to take even more active advantage of the opportunities it offers – with legal and social safeguards, for themselves, for Tanzania, and for all of us.