MBOMIPA VGS enjoying to receive.

Friends of Ruaha Society (FORS) is a small NGO based in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania in Iringa region. FORS was established and registered (registration number SO. 6394) in 1984 to help protect the animals and environment of Ruaha National Park. As the national park’s capacity to fulfil their own mission has increased, FORS’ role has evolved to include working with the communities around the park. The well being of the wildlife of Ruaha National Park depends on the support of the local communities. The local communities, in turn, can benefit from tourism drawn by the wildlife, but a sense of pride in their unique environment and a responsible attitude towards this environment needs first to be fostered. Thus, attending to the needs of both wildlife and local people is vital to the success of both.

FORS concentrate its efforts in three general areas:

Environmental Education:

-Managing Environmental Education (EE) Programme in Idodi Division

-Attracted funding to expand EE Programme to Pawaga Division in 2006

-Close collaboration with Tanzania National Park (TANAPA) and village authorities in implementing the EE Programme

Park Conservation:

-Attracted funding for, and facilitated 5 Village Game Scouts attending capacity-building training courses in 2005.

-Supported the construction of access roads and a ranger post (built by TANAPA)

-Act as a watchdog on the critical issue of drying of the great Ruaha River Provides a forum for discussion of the issues of the Great Ruaha River

Micro-Enterprise:

-Funded a local youth group on a poultry rearing project and seedling nursery

-Provide training and support for farmers in a vegetable growing project to supply Ruaha National Park lodges with produce

-Assisted in bottling and labelling of honey for beekeepers in Makifu village.