L<\/span>ocal communities have often been marginalized from the decision-making process in natural resource management and receive an inequitable share of ecosystem benefits. The Tanzanian Wildlife Act of 1998 addresses this shortcoming through the establishment of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).<\/p>\n Community-managed areas should contribute to the livelihoods of participating communities, build community empowerment and, fundamentally, represent a buffer zone to ensure the long-term conservation and sustainable management of natural resources. By protecting the wildlife and sustainably managing the environment on their WMA, communities are able to attract tourism activities and generate revenues while ensuring conservation of natural resources. Revenues accrued from the WMA are divided among the member villages for purpose of maintaining natural resources and contributing to economic development. Income generated by the WMAs contributes to building incentives for communities to protect wildlife and natural resources in the long-term.<\/p>\n<\/div>