In the Jonglei Region of South Sudan, indigenous Anuak, Murle, Jie, and Kachipo communities were forced to relocate because of a land deal between the government and the UAE company Al Ain National Wildlife, which seeks to use the land for a national park and lodge. Photo Credit: Africa Sustainable Conservation News
Category: Conservation
Conservation goes unrecognized as likely the greatest source of land alienation in the territories of indigenous peoples. Indigenous peoples are widely praised for their stewardship of land, water and natural resources such as forests and wildlife. The Global North seeks more forest cover for climate change mitigation and carbon emissions offset, and pristine landscapes and exotic fauna for tourism and trophy hunting. It cannot produce these in its own territories due to well-protected property rights and greatly reduced wildlife diversity. Hence undue pressure arises on the Global South to compensate with their land and natural resources and indigenous peoples tend to pay the highest price.
Kilombero
Conservation efforts in the Kilombero Valley led to the eviction of Sukuma, Maasai, and Barabaig pastoralists in the Kilombero and Ulanga Districts of the Morogoro Region.
Makao Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Meatu District
The Tanzanian government made an eviction attempt on several ethnic groups including Hadza, Datoga, and Sukuma for the sake of a wildlife management area, leaving some people homeless.
Mbarali
In May 2006, thousands of pastoralists and their livestock were evicted from the Usangu Plains in Mbarali district.
Mkomazi
To make way for the Mkomazi Game Reserve National Park, many pastoralists have been evicted. As a result, resources are becoming overused and pastoralists are being crowded out of their way of life. (Photo credit: Wickama et al. 2005)
Morogoro
Maasai communities are facing violent attacks and eviction due to agricultural investments, conservation, and discrimination by farmers.
Vilima Vitatu Village
The Tanzanian Central Government has decided to take 12,830 hectares of land in Vilima Vitatu village and allocate it to the Burunge Wildlife Management Area (WMA) without consultation or consent. News clipping from The Citizen; photo by Mussa Juma
Maasai vs. Thomson Safaris in Loliondo
United States-based company, Thomson Safaris, is committing human rights abuses against Maasai and threatening their existence.
Maasai vs. Otterlo in Loliondo
In Loliondo, Arusha Region, Maasai communities face constant pressure of eviction from their ancestral land, which the Ortello Business Corporation seeks to use for commercial hunting. In late 2018, despite court rulings, the violence and evictions continue.
Maasai vs. Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Photo Credit: KopeLion