Relocation of the Serengeti Highway!
This petition had 2,041 supporters
The president of Tanzania, Jakaya Kikwete, has approved the plan of the construction of the commercial highway that will cut through the northern part of Serengeti National Park and Maasai Mara National Reserve. It is going to be built in the near future. The highway will pose a severe threat to the Tanzanian ecosystem and the future of one of the world’s most cherished natural reserves.
Even though the highway will be an advantage for the local people, since it is the shortest route from Arusha to Musoma, it will have numerous strongly negative side-effects. The road will obstruct the way of the yearly famous Great Migration of over 1.3 million wildebeests, 1.5 million zebras, black rhinos, gazelles, elephants, and other grazers, journeying during the dry season to the Mara River in Kenya for water. The population of the grazers will decrease dramatically, along with the carnivores that depend on them for food. Hundreds of trucks that will travel along the road will lead to land and air pollution, as well as road kill. Poachers and gangs will have easier access to the animals, further diminishing their population. Invasive plant species, brought by the vehicles from other regions, might take root and spoil the ecosystem. The highway can also lead to industrialization, which will be lethal to Serengeti’s National Park status.
There is only one way out of this situation: relocating the proposed highway to the south of Serengeti. The highway will definitely become much longer, but it will save this natural wonder from disappearing. By signing this petition, you will be doing a great favor to future generations that will be able to enjoy this park, as you can now. Encourage your friends and family to sign!!!
****Alert : The president of Tanzania is also planning to construct an international Serengeti Airport!!! Along will come hotels and other tourist attractions. This will further diminish the ecosystem, as it has happened at the Maasai Mara Reserve. If you sign this petition, you might also help to prevent an even larger threat. Make Tanzania residents and president understand that this will not increase tourism in this park and will not benefit them in other ways at all.
* For more updated information, please, if you haven't already, visit this website: http://www.savetheserengeti.org/news/highway-news/economic-impact-statement/#axzz1D6s5ToNR
*Deadline is approaching. Only a month left!