Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism

Last updated
Ministry of Natural
Resources and Tourism
Wizara ya Maliasili na Utalii (Swahili)
Ministry overview
Jurisdiction Government of Tanzania
Headquarters Dodoma
Minister responsible
Deputy Minister responsible
Ministry executive
Website www.mnrt.go.tz

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism is the government ministry of Tanzania that is responsible for the management of natural resources and cultural resources and for the development of the tourism industry. It has a wide range of investments in various tourist resources and tourism industry projects. [1] Ministry offices are located in Dodoma. Dr. Damas Ndumbaro is the new Tourism Minister of Tanzania. [2]

Contents

The Ministry's motto is "Tanzania Unforgettable".

History

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT) has its origins in Tanzania’s colonial-era conservation efforts. In 1959, the Tanganyika National Parks Ordinance (CAP 412) was enacted, laying the legal foundation for the establishment and management of national parks. This ordinance marked the beginning of formal conservation efforts in the country. [3]

Following independence, the government expanded its focus on environmental and natural resource governance. The Wildlife Conservation Act of 1974 strengthened the framework for wildlife protection and sustainable use of biodiversity resources, helping establish wildlife reserves and management areas across the country. [4]

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the Ministry underwent several institutional reforms aimed at unifying the management of tourism, forestry, wildlife, and cultural heritage under a single administrative structure. These reforms sought to improve efficiency, policy coordination, and service delivery within the sectors.

In April 2016, a major reorganization formalized the Ministry’s current structure under Government Notice No. 144. This restructuring emphasized integrated and participatory management of natural and cultural resources, positioning tourism as a key pillar of sustainable national development. [4]

Organization

The work of the Ministry is organized into four basic workgroups:

In addition, there are various support and administration divisions within the ministry.

Mission

To conserve natural, cultural resources sustainably and develop tourism for national prosperity and benefit of mankind through development of appropriate policies, strategies and guidelines; formulation and enforcement of laws and regulations; monitoring and evaluation of policies and laws. [5]

Vision

Sustainable conservation of natural and cultural resources and development of responsible tourism. [5]

List of Ministers

MinisterTermNotes
Lazaro Nyalandu January 2014 – November 2015Introduced TAWA and promoted ivory-stockpile transparency.
Damas Ndumbaro December 2020 – April 2022Oversaw post-COVID tourism recovery and biodiversity initiatives. [6]
Pindi Chana March 2022 – February 2023Promoted cultural and gender-inclusive tourism.
Mohamed Mchengerwa February 2023 – September 2023Focused on environmental governance during a brief tenure.
Angellah Kairuki September 2023 – presentCurrent minister prioritizing gender equity and youth engagement in tourism.

See also

References

  1. Ministry, Front page redirect contents page: About the Ministry
  2. "New Tanzania Tourism Minister Announced". eTurboNews. Retrieved 10 December 2020.
  3. "History |TANZANIA NATIONAL PARKS". www.tanzaniaparks.go.tz. Retrieved 2025-07-16.
  4. 1 2 "Strategic plan 2021/22 – 2025/26" (PDF). Ministry of natural resources and tourism, Tanzania. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2024-12-06.
  5. 1 2 "MNRT, Tanzania". weADAPT. Retrieved 2025-07-16.
  6. "New Tanzania Tourism Minister Announced". eturbonews.com. 2020-12-10. Retrieved 2025-07-16.