Human & Wildlife Conflict Working Group Inaugral Meeting

Towards wild dog conservation and sustainable ecotourism in Loliondo Wild dogs have been increasing in the Serengeti Ecosystem since the early 2000s with several packs now resident in the Loliondo area. Unfortunately with this welcome increase in numbers has come with an unwelcome increase in livestock predation by wild dogs, particularly in areas where wild prey have been depleted. For this and other reasons, wild dog persecution has occurred in at least two areas. More positively, the population increase has provided opportunities for tourism, particularly on village land where wild dogs have denned. Ecotourism thus has the potential to offset the costs presented by livestock predation and provide real benefits to local communities. A coordinated approach to supporting wild dog conservation, alleviating human-wild dog conflict, and supporting sustainable and equitable ecotourism development is required in which all stakeholders work together and complement each others activities. A planning meeting to agree and lay out the steps required for wild dog conservation and sustainable ecotourism in the Loliondo area is therefore scheduled for Friday 7th December at TAWIRI in Arusha. Agenda

1. Introduction to the Human Wildlife Conflict Working Group Inaugral meeting
2. Summary presentations of ongoing and planned activities in Loliondo (Tour operators, SWDP, etc)
3. Discussion of issues and opportunities surrounding WD & tourism in Loliondo
4. Development of a joint strategy, including objectives
5. Identification of initiatives and activities required to meet objectives
6. Method of implementation, Steering committee, funding, community involvement