A Sociological Reflection on Ecotourism and Wildlife Migration in Tanzania Within the Framework of Sustainable Development

Abstract

This paper offers a comprehensive sociological reflection on ecotourism and wildlife migration in Tanzania within the broader framework of sustainable development. Through an interdisciplinary lens, it explores the historical legacies of colonial conservation, the structural dynamics of community-based ecotourism, and the gendered dimensions of benefit distribution. The analysis interrogates the role of policy and governance in mediating access to tourism revenues, wildlife corridors, and decision-making authority. Particular attention is given to the socioecological impacts of climate change on migratory species and the communities living in critical corridors. The research highlights the tensions between ecological goals and community rights, underscoring the need for more inclusive, adaptive, and equitable governance models. Drawing on empirical studies, policy critiques, and case-based literature, the paper argues that sustainable ecotourism in Tanzania cannot succeed without centering local participation, securing land tenure, mainstreaming gender equity, and aligning conservation goals with social justice imperatives. Wildlife migration is not only an ecological phenomenon but also a sociopolitical process that reveals the limitations of top-down conservation and the potential of transformative governance.