TAWIRI - TANZANIA WILDLIFE RESEARCH INSTITUTE - THE CITES SCIENTIFIC AUTHORITY IN ARUSHA, TANZANIA

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GUIDELINES FOR RESEARCH REPORTING

1. INTRODUCTION

Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) was established by Act of the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania No. 4 of 1980, under the name "Serengeti Wildlife Research Institute", with the aim of conducting and overseeing wildlife research (including beekeeping research) in the country. The original name of the Institute was changed in 1999, under the Act of Parliament No. 10, to give its broader meaning and mandate on wildlife research throughout the United Republic. The overall purpose of TAWIRI is to collect and disseminate timely and quality scientific information that will enhance the management and utilisation of wildlife resources in the country. Therefore, TAWIRI has the mandatory role of advising the Government, management authorities and the general public on best ways of conserving the wildlife resources. Through research, TAWIRI has also the mandate to promote and facilitate the training of Tanzanians in wildlife science. In fact, the national mandate of the Institute with regard to research and monitoring of wildlife is reiterated in the Wildlife Policy 1998.

In accordance with its mandate, the main functions of TAWIRI include coordination/management of all wildlife research in the country. This obligation is contained in Sections 9-11 and Section 22 of the Act establishing the Institute. Thus, TAWIRI has to provide guidance towards research that is relevant to conservation of wildlife and ultimately development of the wildlife industry. It is in this context that TAWIRI has to draw up, and the revision thereof, guidelines for conducting wildlife research in the country.

In essence the guidelines are intended to facilitate the processing of applications by individuals proposing to conduct/engage in research on wildlife, on the one hand. On the other hand, the guidelines indicate the obligations of wildlife researchers to the Institute. In this case, the guidelines are a way for TAWIRI to fulfil its mandate on wildlife research. Therefore, the guidelines for conducting wildlife research should provide for the following:

• The procedures for submission, of proposals for carrying out of research into any particular aspect of wildlife.

• The manner in which proposals for carrying out of research shall be dealt with by TAWIRI.

• Obligations of persons prior to, during and after carrying out wildlife research.
  

In addition, it should be understood that research on wildlife is conducted in areas under the jurisdiction of the following management authorities:

• Forestry and Beekeeping Division, for all types of forest reserves stipulated in the Forestry Policy 1998.

• Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

• Tanzania National Parks, for national parks.

• Wildlife Division, for Game Reserves, Game Controlled Areas and open areas.
  

TAWIRI, with its authority to conduct and oversee research in all these areas, will continue to facilitate the entry of researchers into such areas for the purpose of carrying out studies on wildlife and related issues.

It should also be understood that, as the custodian of all wildlife research, TAWIRI is responsible for making recommendations on proposed work for final approval by the Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) from which permits for all research in the United Republic are issued.

The drawing up of guidelines for conducting wildlife research in Tanzania is a way to operationalise the Act establishing the Institute.

2. THE ROLE OF TAWIRI IN WILDLIFE CONSERVATION: THE NEW WILDLIFE RESEARCH AGENDA.

Tanzania is recognized as one of the four mega diversity nations of the world, owing to her diverse fauna and flora that are in turn supported by highly diversified habitats/plant communities and landscapes. Recognising the need to preserve or safeguard this unique and diverse wild fauna and flora, the Government has set aside nearly 30% of the total land area under the protected area estate. Such wildlife also occurs in open areas as well as in other forms of protected areas including forest reserves.

Despite the country's rich endowment of wildlife and the long history of scientific studies, the flora and fauna and related ecological functions and processes need further investigations. This work is necessitated by the ever-increasing human activities that threaten wildlife ecosystems, for which mitigation measures are required. Also, currently there are geographical areas or taxa that have received no any or comparatively less attention from research that has been carried out in the country. In recognition of this situation, TAWIRI drew up in 1999 a New Wildlife Research Agenda providing with priority aspects for research that would contribute towards sustainable conservation and management of wildlife and better understanding of biodiversity in general. The research agenda is therefore a guiding principle for all wildlife research in the country. Accordingly, prospective researchers are therefore expected to prepare and submit proposals for work that is in tandem with the research agenda.

According to the New Wildlife Research Agenda, five themes for research are a priority:

• Human-Wildlife Interactions

• Ecological Interactions

• Biodiversity Inventory

• Database on wildlife

• Ecosystem History

The research agenda also stipulates the role of research scientists with regard to enhancing the performance of the Institute, from which the guidelines have taken this into account.

3. APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR ACQUIRING A PERMIT TO CONDUCT WILDLIFE RESEARCH IN TANZANIA.

3.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1.1 Foreign Scientists/Researchers

Any foreign scientist who intends to carry out wildlife research in Tanzania is required to do the following:

1. Submit to TAWIRI an application for research including a proposal, six (6) months before proposed date of commencement of research in Tanzania.

2. Obtain a research permit from COSTECH. The issuance of research permit is subject to approval of the proposal by the TAWIRI Board through its Research Programme Committee (Section 9 (1) of the TAWIRI Act).

3. Apply for a residence permit, from the Immigration Department, that will allow him/her to conduct the proposed research in the specified regions, but subject to fulfilling condition (ii) above.

4. Get from TAWIRI, a letter on free permit to enter protected areas (i.e. Game Reserves, Game Controlled Areas, Forest Reserves, National Parks or Ngorongoro Conservation Area) or to work in open areas, for the purpose of wildlife research.

5. To accord due consideration to the people of Tanzania and their established institutions and Government.
   

3.1.2 Foreign Scientists attached to local Institutions of Higher Learning

Foreign scientists/researchers collaborating with local Institutions of Higher Learning, as Research Associates, are required in addition to the research associateship, to register their research with TAWIRI and COSTECH.

3.1.3 Tanzanian Scientists/Researchers

Tanzanian scientists/researchers are also required to register their research projects on wildlife with TAWIRI. However, they do not need a research permit from COSTECH unless they are not affiliated with any local research or academic institution.

• TAWIRI will provide a referral letter to the respective management authorities to secure free permit to enter protected areas.

• TAWIRI may need to prove the competence of a researcher with regard to handling of animals such as capture and banding.
  

3.2 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGN RESEARCHERS

3.2.1 New research projects

Any new project for conducting wildlife research in Tanzania has to furnish the following to TAWIRI:

• Submission of a detailed research proposal the content of which should include

• Introduction

• Problem statement

• Literature review

• Objectives and significance of the research

• Hypotheses

• Methodologies

• Bibliographies.

• Completed COSTECH application forms (see Form I) together with a curriculum vitae (CV) and three passport size photographs.

• Applications should be made six (6) months before the proposed date of commencement of research. However, prospective researchers are strongly advised not to come before permits are given, otherwise TAWIRI will not be held responsible for researchers arriving in the country before being granted a research permit.

In addition to the scientific merits, acceptance of the proposed research project will be based on how it fits well with the wildlife research agenda. The following are also important to observe:

• All researchers should respect and not interfere with cultural, social and/or political norms in the study areas or elsewhere in the country.

• Any research that includes medical components should have ethical clearance from the National Institute for Medical Research.

• TAWIRI can withdraw approval of research upon notice without refund of fees paid to the Institute, in case a researcher interferes with functions and affairs of the Institute or Government.
  

3.2.2 On-going research projects

Since a research permit is issued for a period of one year, it can be renewed annually. Approval of an on-going research project by TAWIRI and hence renewal of COSTECH permit (and then residence permit) will be granted upon submission of an application letter together with a satisfactory project progress report for the ending year.

COSTECH application forms for extension of research (see Form II) together with a detailed progress report, should be submitted to TAWIRI at least three months before expiry of the previous permit.

The format for progress report should be as follows:

• Project title

• Introduction

• Objectives and hypotheses

• Study area

• Methodology

• Results

• Discussion including conservation implication of the results

• References.

• During renewal of research, management authorities will normally provide recommendations to TAWIRI on merits for continuation of a project in the respective areas.

• Newcomers to on-going research projects must be reported to TAWIRI and obtain the relevant permits before engaging themselves to research work.
  

3.2.3 Application and Research Fees

Application for research should be accompanied by both COSTECH and TAWIRI research fees at the rates that are subject to periodic review.

The fees, which are meant to facilitate service delivery to the researchers themselves are currently as follows:

• COSTECH application fee: US$ 50 per person

A non-refundable application fee of US $ 50 per person is required for each new project.

• COSTECH research fee: US$ 300 per person

Each applicant granted a research permit is required to pay a research fee of US$ 300 per person whether the research is done alone or in collaboration with others.

• · COSTECH undergraduate research fee: US$ 100 per person

All undergraduate research students are required to pay US$ 100 per person to be granted a research permit.

• TAWIRI research fee: US$ 1,200 per person.

Each applicant is required to pay to TAWIRI a research fee of US$ 1,200 or 20% of the operational budget, whichever is higher. Operational budget excludes return air ticket, vehicles and other capital investments.

• Both COSTECH and TAWIRI research fees are paid for a period of twelve months i.e. one year, even if the actual research period is less than a year.

• Applicants can pay both COSTECH and TAWIRI fees (in one cheque) to the Director General TAWIRI, who will remit COSTECH fees together with approved research proposals.
  

3.2.4 Residence Permit Class C

Every researcher must obtain a residence permit class C that allows one to conduct research in Tanzania.

• Anyone granted a research permit is therefore required to proceed to the Immigration Department to apply for class C residence permit.

• Residence permit class C is mandatory before one engages in research work.

• All holders of class C residence permit must abide to the national laws and regulations during their stay in the country.

• A tourist visa does not allow one to conduct research in the country.
  

3.2.5 Referral letter to the Management Authorities

Soon after obtaining relevant research and residence permits, a researcher should get a referral letter from TAWIRI that introduces him/her to the Management Authorities, for the sake of free entry into the respective PAs.

• A referral letter is issued upon signing declaration of compliance with the terms and conditions of TAWIRI (see Form III). Signing of a declaration can be made at the time of application for research is made.

• Management Authorities will normally require researchers to prove possession of appropriate research and residence permits and registration by TAWIRI.
  

4. OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS

In addition to general and specific requirements, the following terms and conditions are necessary to observe; these are meant to enhance implementation of the research agenda and to ensure basic research standards (e.g. animal handling protocols) are adhered to:

4.1 LOCAL CONTACT PERSONS

• Each foreign researcher should have a local contact person a Tanzanian, who is academically capable of understanding the proposed research.

• TAWIRI in consultation with COSTECH shall assign suitable local contact persons. However, researchers may be allowed to propose local contact persons if circumstances warrant.

• The budget of the project should include expenses for the local contact person to be able to visit the project site at least twice a year, for at least 4 days per trip. The money should be deposited with TAWIRI. A daily per diem of US $ 50 is recommended.
  

4.2 LONG TERM RESEARCH PROJECTS

• Any project that will run for at least three years will be considered as a long-term project. Such projects should specify period, objectives and expected outputs in a timeframe not exceeding ten years.

• Annual progress report should clearly show successes and constraints including mitigation measures.

• TAWIRI and COSTECH will carry out periodic evaluation of the project and assess the outputs and relevance in a pre-determined period.

• All long-term projects should include in their budget a provision for postgraduate training of at least one Tanzanian and/or a local counterpart in the respective field of wildlife science. Selection of a person for training will be the responsibility of TAWIRI.

• Any new researcher intending to join a long-term research project should acquire research and residence permits before entering the country for the purpose of research (see Section 3.2.1).
  

4.3 WILDLIFE RESEARCH CARRIED OUT UNDER DEVELOPMENT/MANAGEMENT PROJECTS.

• All wildlife research carried out under development/management projects should also be reported to TAWIRI.

• Any foreign researcher/scientist engaged in wildlife research under development/management projects is also obliged to seek approval of COSTECH and TAWIRI with regard to intended research activities. The normal procedures pertaining to obtaining wildlife research permits will be adhered to.
  

4.4 IMMOBILIZATION AND PHYSICAL HANDLING OF ANIMALS

• TAWIRI has the right to demand certificate of competence of researchers who will include physical handling of animals (e.g. capture and banding, etc.) in their research.

• TAWIRI is responsible for all immobilisation of animals for research purposes.

• Immobilisation of animals for research will be carried out by or supervised by TAWIRI in the presence or with assistance of the respective management authorities. Researchers should budget and pay for the expenses involved.

• Scientists should therefore consult with TAWIRI before attempting any activity that will involve physical handling of animals, otherwise it will not be responsible for any misconduct of researchers on this.
  

4.5 SCIENTIFIC AND MANAGEMENT-ORIENTED REPORTS

• Wildlife scientists engaged in any aspect of research on or relating to wildlife in Tanzania are obliged, according to Section 10 & 11 of the TAWIRI Act, to furnish the Institute with research information including findings in form of reports, journal and publications.

• In addition to progress reports, researchers are required to deposit at least four bound copies of their terminal reports to TAWIRI: (these include theses/ dissertations and books) resulting from work done in Tanzania. TAWIRI will distribute the copies to other relevant stakeholders.

• Wildlife researchers should prepare management-oriented articles in simple language for publication in either the TAWIRI Newsletter or Njiro Newsletter, consummate to the management authorities of PAs and the general public on wildlife issues.
  

4.6 INVOLVEMENT OF RESEARCHERS IN ACTIVITES OTHER THAN THOSE INDICATED IN THE APPROVED RESEARCH.

• An immigration residence permit enables a foreign scientist to enjoy the privileges of residents, in order to carry out research and related activities specified in the COSTECH research permit. TAWIRI is not responsible for supervision of activities other than those indicated in the approved proposal for wildlife research.

• Researchers should adhere to approved activities; for any other business, permits should be sought a priori from the relevant authorities. If permission for activities other than wildlife research is obtained, TAWIRI should be informed.

• When another permit has been acquired, TAWIRI should be informed.
  

4.7 EXPORTATION OF WILDLIFE SPECIMENS AND SAMPLES

• Exportation of wildlife specimens, either whole body or parts of it or samples, will be allowed only when there is sufficient evidence that the analysis cannot be done in Tanzania. Researchers are encouraged to make use of the local institutions and expertise for analysis of wildlife specimens collected in the field.

• When it is absolutely necessary that wildlife specimens have to be exported abroad for analysis, national and international regulations will be strictly adhered to. TAWIRI is responsible for approval of and/ or recommendations for exportation of specimens and samples for analysis abroad.

• Results obtained from analysis of specimens and samples should be reported to TAWIRI.
  

5. EXPECTATIONS OF WILDLIFE RESEARCHERS

TAWIRI is the overall local contact institution and the gateway to all wildlife and related research in Tanzania. All researchers carry out their approved study projects on behalf of TAWIRI and should thus expect the following:

• Free access to TAWIRI's libraries as well as accessibility to available scientific/research information.

• Accessibility to PAs as TAWIRI researchers.

• Invitations to TAWIRI Annual Scientific Conferences.
  

6. FORMS & DECLARATION- CLICK HERE FOR pdf FILE

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© TAWIRI, December 2001

Guidelines for conducting wildlife research in Tanzania, as approved by the TAWIRI Board at its 24th ordinary meeting held in Arusha on December 3, 2001.

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