Africa to South America

As the Tanzanian government forges ahead with plans to build a road through the Serengeti National park there is outcry around the world from conservationists, and tourists alike. The road will cut through the relatively untouched north of the park, blocking migration, increasing poaching and introducing invasive species to the area. All of this will have devastating effects, which biodiversity experts are warning will cause an "ecological disaster."
From the bbc:

Biologists say the road would affect the spectacular annual migration of more than a million wildebeest and also collapse the whole eco-system of the park which joins up with Kenya's Maasai Mara Reserve.

The Tanzanian authorities want the new road as a trade route to Lake Victoria and on to neighbouring countries. But the experts say an alternative route to the south will benefit more people.
Tourism to the park brings in tens of millions of dollars into the country every year, so why are the Tanzanian government risking one of their most valuable financial as well as natural assets? It comes back to a promise made in 2005 by President Jakaya Kikwete, which the government feel obliged to fulfill - but will they do it no matter what the cost?

Monkeys at the site of their old home, now a road

I cannot help but notice the similarities between this story that that of the Parque Machia refugee in Bolivia. The Inti Wara Yassi refugee has recently been ripped in two by the building of an unsound road that was promised by the Mayor of the town many years ago. It has already destroyed delicate habitats and has resulted in the upheaval of numerous species which are cared for a the Park. A park which brings in thousands of dollars to the town every year through tourism. From Africa to South America and back again the story is the same. But the question that needs to be addressed is isn't it time we started to value what we have rather than destroying it?

Find out more about how you can get involved in our community project in Tanzania or our work at animal sanctuaries in Boliva