PUBLIC institution and government agencies need to work closely to ensure that the Great Ruaha River flows unimpeded throughout the year.

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa issued this appeal on Saturday after participating in the Great Ruaha Marathon (GRUMA 2025) held at Ibuguziwa in the Ruaha National Park.

Asserting that this effort is vital to safeguard the survival of wildlife and the entire ecosystem in the major southern circuit conservation facility, he said it would support the growth of the tourism sector.

Urging the various stakeholders to take up the issue, he pointed at the urgent need to adopt sustainable strategies to restore the river’s flow, introducing the GRUMA platform as a point of dedication to protecting the water sources that feed the Great Ruaha River. 

It also brings together sportsmen and women in support of the government’s agenda to promote physical fitness and sports across the country, he said, explaining that the national agenda seeks to encourage citizens to engage in weekly physical activity as a way of improving public health.

This in turn enhances productivity and participation in national development, he said, describing the marathon as an international gathering and an opportunity, with wide ranging international participation 

The event’s organisers need to develop strategies to elevate the marathon to visible international status and attracting participation from all over the world, he said, assuring them that the government is bent on strengthening the tourism infrastructure to ensure easy access to key attractions and other protected areas.

He also acknowledged the significance of the ‘Royal Tour’ documentary in attracting an influx of tourists to Tanzania, substantially boosting tourism revenues.

Shigeki Komatsubara, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) resident representative, commended the government for achieving a remarkable reduction of illegal poaching to nearly negligible levels, asserting that it is an achievement recognised globally in heritage conservation.

Conservation efforts need to benefit local communities, he said, urging the public to become active participants in protecting wildlife and biodiversity for future generations.

He said that the Great Ruaha Marathon 2025 was more than just a race, as it was a movement to protect the Great Ruaha River as a lifeline for people, wildlife, along with the wider ecosystem.

UNDP has also supported efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade by equipping rangers with the necessary tools and capacity-building initiatives to tackle poaching effectively, he stated.

Moses Ambindwile, a participant, said the run expressing support for the tourism sector, urging people of Iringa and the neighbourhood to protect the country’s national parks, especially the nearby park and others.

GRUMA 2025 was coordinated by the Sustainable Youth Development Partnership (SYDP) in collaboration with the park authorities and regional secretariat.