Traffic management for protected areas through digital solutions

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Tanzania is home to a wide variety of terrestrial and marine ecosystems. 38% of Tanzania's total land area is designated as protected areas. The Serengeti National Park (SNP) has an area of 14,763 km² and is world famous for the seasonal migration of almost 2 million wildebeest, zebras and various antelope species between Tanzania and Kenya. The SNP recorded up to 500,000 visitors annually. After the pandemic-related decline in 2020 and 2021, a rise is expected in 2022. The increasing number of visitors to the park, including the increasing number of supply vehicles, as well as driving behavior (driving too fast, illegal off-road and night driving) are endangering the integrity of the SNP. The existing visitor administration does not have the means to control the seasonal and spatial conflicts between wildlife migration and visitor management, on the one hand, and the lack of compliance with the specified traffic rules, on the other. The aim of the project is for the project sponsor to have digital mechanisms for controlling and monitoring traffic volumes and visitor management and to be able to use this IT-based system. The main measures focus on the digital recording of violations and the monitoring of vehicles within the park. The project sponsor is Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA). The target groups of the project are TANAPA and tourism operators.