The Ngorongoro Conservation Area covers 8,292 square kilometers. It is one of the three divisions that comprise Ngorongoro District in Arusha Region.
NCA was established in 1959 by the NCA Ordinance No 413 of 1959 as a multiple land use area, designated to promote the conservation of natural resources, safeguard the interests of NCA indigenous residents and promote tourism. NCA is a unique protected area in the whole of Africa where conservation of natural resources in integrated with human development.
The main feature of the NCA include the Ngorongoro Crater, The Serengeti Plains that support about 2.0 millions migratory wildlife species of the Serengeti Mara-ecosystem (TAWIRI, 2003) and the catchment forest; the Northern Highland Forest Reserve (NHFR) known as 'Entim Olturot' in Maa language. Other important features found in the NCA are the archaeological and palaeontological site located at Oldupai Gorge and the early human foot-prints that were discovered at Alaitole in Ngarusi area. Because of these particular features and the harmonious co-existence between wildlife and people that has existed for many years, NCA was accorded the status of a World Heritage Site and listed as one of the International Biosphere Reserve by the UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Reserve Programme
NCAA Vision
The vision of NCAA is self-financed World Heritage Site that provides sustainable benefits for NCA indigenous residents, Tanzanians and guarantees protection of natural, cultural and archaeological resources for global community.
The Mission Statement of NCAA
The NCAA will cooperate with NCA indigenous residents to professionally conserve the natural and historical resources, while providing optimal social services to residents, staff and visitors. The mission of NCAA is to strive to maintain the status of NCA as a World Heritage Site as well as an eighth wonder of the world through:
• Provision of optimal and legitimate social services to NCA indigenous residents;
• Professionally manage natural, cultural and archaeological resources;
• Maintain committed and highly qualified staff;
• Formulation and implementation of appropriate policies;
• Provision of high quality tourism services; and
• Developing partnership with local, regional and international stakeholders.
NCAA Core Values
THE NCAA SHALL STRIVE TO ACHIEVE ITS VISION AND IMPLEMENT ITS MISSION WHILE OBSERVING THE FOLLOWING CORE VALUES:
• Sustainability
• Valuing people; and
• Accountability to stakeholders.
NCAA Objectives / Functions
THE OBJECTIVES / FUNCTIONS OF THE NCAA AS STATED IN THE ORDINANCE ARE:
• To conserve and develop the natural resources of the Conservation Area
• To promote tourism within the Conservation Area and to provide and encourage the provision of facilities and infrastructure necessary or expedient for the promotion of tourism
• To safeguard and promote the interests of Maasai citizens of the United Republic engaged in cattle ranching and dairy industry within the Conservation Area
• To promote and regulate the development of forestry within the Conservation Area
• To construct such roads, bridges, aerodromes, buildings and fences, to provided such water supplies and carry out such other works and activities as the Board of Directors may consider necessary for the purpose of the development and protection of the Conservation Area
• To do all such acts and things, which in the opinion of the Board, may be necessary to uphold and support the credit of the NCA and justify public confidence, and to avert and minimize any loss to the authority
• To do anything and enter into any transaction which in the opinion of the board, is calculated to facilitate the proper and efficient exercise by the Authority of its functions under this act, including:
○ The carrying out of the activities of the NCA in participation with any other person
○ The acquisition, by the agreement, of the interests in companies and firms engaged in activities in which the NCA may lawfully be engaged under this act, and the management of the affairs or the continuance of the business of such companies and firm;
○ The establishment of branches within the United Republic or elsewhere.
The multiple land use philosophy in the area is to maintain the peaceful co-existence of human and wildlife in a natural and traditional setting. Pastoralism, conservation of natural resources and tourism are the three, main components that are given equal consideration in policy shaping decisions. The NCA aims for the historic balance of people and nature in a way which has not been possible in many parts of the world. At stake are the rich bio diversity and ecology of the Serengeti Plains and The Ngorongoro Highlands, the major palaeontological and archaeological sites and important water catchment areas. Tourism is a vital element in raising revenue and has been encouraged and developed with a respect for culture and without damaging the environment. Man and his ancestors have lived in the Ngorongoro eco-system for more than three million years. By careful research and continuing management, the fragile balance between man and nature will be successfully maintained.
