Environmental Injustice in relation to nature tourism

While many people perceive the term eco-tourism to mean a more friendly, most are not aware of the negative impacts that result from this type of tourism.

"Nature tourism" is based on the use of natural resources in an undeveloped state.

With this separation of people and nature, reserves areas in Tanzania were created without any consideration for the local communities.

Tourism industry has grown to be a $439 billion a year business. Tourism is one of the top five export categories in Tanzania. It is no surprise, then, Tanzania government wants to take advantage of this incredible economic opportunity. In competition with many other beautiful places, Tanzania has to make their lands look the most attractive to the tourism community, and, unfortunately, the price is paid by the local people.

CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION THROUGH PARTICIPATORY REFORESTATION IN KILIMANJARO MOUNTAIN

Effects of climate change act as a threat mainly to the population that still depends on subsistence agriculture for their daily livelihood. The past trend on droughts, floods and recent poor harvest in recent years which resulted into hunger in most parts of the country, and disappearance of the ice cap at Mt. Kilimanjaro is now more than ever imminent evidence of climate change due to evident temperature increases caused by global warming.

Glacier retreat and change of vegetation on the slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro have made the latter one of the climate change hotspots in Tanzania. In the past dense forests around the mountain used to cause water flows in a number of rivers that originate from the mountain eventually forming the large Pangani River Basin comprising Nyumba ya Mungu, Hale and Pangani Hydropower Stations.

Impacts of climate change in Tanzania

The adverse impacts of climate change are already having their toll in the livelihoods of people and in the sectors of the economy in the country. Frequent and severe droughts in many parts of the country are being felt with their associated consequences on food production and water scarcity among others. The recent severe droughts which hit most parts of the country leading to severe food shortages, food insecurity, water scarcity, hunger and acute shortage of power signify the vulnerability of the country to impacts of climate change.

THE GOVERMENT OF TANZANIA AGAINST ITS CITIZEN

I remember taking an elective in political science and we had to deal with government—its definition, organs, functions, and duties, etc. I remember reading about Abraham Lincoln and falling in love with his Gettysburg’s address. I love especially the part that says “...It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” I am sure some of you may be wondering what Abe Lincoln’s speech has to do with Tanzania and the subject matter. Well, I have been reflecting on Tanzania and her government to wit: the social contract between the government and the governed; the duties and obligations each owe to the other in order to maintain this relationship and not to violate the contract. Tanzania’s government reminds me of Woodrow Wilson’s declaration in his book, “The State,” that “there are governments and governments.’ On the functions of government, Woodrow Wilson stated: