Journal article
Introduction: The benefit of wetlands for reducing poverty depends on the effectiveness of
governance systems that influence peoples’ behaviour in the wise use of wetlands.
Objectives: This article critically analyses the current poverty reduction strategies, agrarian
policies and economic investments governing wetland usage, especially in Tanzania, with
regard to their impact on sustainable Ramsar wetlands management.
Methodology: It analyses the management structure, domestic policies and legal framework
relating to the protection of wetlands in Tanzania in accordance to the wise use concept of
the Ramsar Convention.
Outcomes: Tanzanian legal provisions for wetland protection are uncoordinated and too
limited in their coverage and scope to sufficiently address the destruction of wetland
ecosystems. There is no comprehensive national legal framework to guide sustainable management
of Ramsar wetlands in Tanzania as laid out by the Ramsar Convention, which the
country ratified in the year 2000.
Conclusion: Without a sound legislative and policy-making framework, Tanzanian wetlands
and their diverse ecosystem services will continue to degenerate with current strategies of
increasing agribusiness and other developmental projects or economic investments. This
paper provides critical baseline information to inform decision makers to develop appropriate
policy and laws, which promote the wise use of wetlands in Tanzania.