Experts in Tanzania Want Conservation ‘Decolonised’ As World Bank Pulls Out of Controversial Project

Ecology and indigenous issues experts from Tanzania have reiterated their calls to authorities from the East African nation to “decolonise” the country’s tourism and conservation policies to avoid clashes with communities surrounding conserved areas and ensure the sector benefits the local population.

The renewed calls follow the decision by the World Bank to suspend funding for the Resilient Natural Resource Management for Tourism and Growth (REGROW) project in the southern highlands of Tanzania following sustained pressure from activists who associated the project with human rights abuses against local communities.