TITLE:
Managing the Balance: Ecological Pressures and Heritage Resources in Rungwe District, Southern Highlands of Tanzania
AUTHORS:
Makarius Peter Itambu
KEYWORDS:
Cultural Ecology, Heritage Management, Outreach Programmes, Conservation, Management
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.4 No.3,
March
28,
2016
ABSTRACT: Rungwe district
in Mbeya region is amongst the many areas in Tanzania which until recently have
remained terra incognita in terms of ecological and archaeological research. Systematic archaeological investigations,
based on heritage management and conservation have not been undertaken. In due regard,
we decided to carry out the first systematic survey, documentation and recording
of the heritage resources of this district. Our investigations emphasized public
participation in the management and conservation of heritage resources with the
involvement of local people the central focus. We were also motivated by the desire
to launch community outreach programmes and establish the “Cultural-Ecological Research
and Scientific Information Centre” in Masoko-Kisiba Ward. There were several meetings
with the local people and the village officials to discuss plans. It was decided
that the establishment of the deemed scientific and information centre would abide
with the existing conservation laws in order to effectively address the strategies
for protection, conservation and management of both natural and cultural heritage
resources.