The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)
12 November 2009
Bush fires have been ravaging Mt Kilimanjaro, worsening the ecological disaster ravaging Africa's tallest mountain, with all manner of challenges.
But there is now light at the end of the tunnel, with the installation by an Italian company of equipment to detect bush fires and illegal logging.
The initiative is timely and will go a long way in saving the mountain, which is also already feeling the heat of climate change, with the notable gradual disappearance of its snow cap.
But the use of the new technology should go hand in hand with efforts to sensitise and educate the people on dangers of carelessly burning bushes.
Most bush fires are started for various reasons and in most cases by people are unable to appreciate the consequences of their actions.
Instead of spending money on high-tech equipment only, some of it should be channeled through communities on slopes of the mountain, to make them buy into the conservation efforts.
The detectors to be installed at the entrance, will also enable the authorities to monitor the number of tourists scaling the mountain to keep tabs on the revenue accrued.
All these are excellent initiatives that we believe will further solidify the reputation of Kilimanjaro as a top tourist destination.
We hope the authorities will look at the costs, lest we can end up paying for the high-tech services more than what we earn from those climbing the mountain.
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