Kenya starts talks with Dar to stop controversial Serengeti road project

Conservationists argue that if wildebeest were to be cut off from these critical dry season areas, the population would likely decline from 1.3 million animals to about 200,000, an impact they say would affect the migration.

An online petition against the project which begun early last month has already gathered more than 5,000 signatures from around the world.

“We sincerely believe that the road will have disastrous effects on the entire ecosystem. The northern parts of the Serengeti and the adjacent Maasai Mara are critical for the wildebeest and zebra migration during the dry season, as it is the only permanent year-round water source for these herds,” said the petition.

The Frankfurt Zoological Society, which has been the main supporter of the Serengeti for the past 50 years, stated: “The entire Serengeti will change into a completely different landscape holding only a fraction of its species and lose its world-class tourism potential and its status as the world’s most famous national park.”

The construction of the road could also affect the movement of zebras, lions, hyenas, cheetahs and wild dogs that are constantly moving between the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti.

Advocates for the road claim the project will enhance the standard of living in the regions it connects, claiming they had been cut off from the main towns.

“We’re very concerned about this road, and are waiting for details while hoping the authorities have thoroughly investigated all possible alternatives,” said Jake Grieves-Cook, the head of the Kenya Tourist Board.

Tanzanian authorities are reported to have finalised design options, and construction is expected to start within 12 months.

The northern parts of the Serengeti and the adjacent Maasai Mara are critical for the wildebeest and zebra migration during the dry season, as it is the only permanent year-round water source for the herds.

Available statistics show that if wildebeest were to be cut off from these critical dry season areas, the population would likely decline from 1.3 million animals to about 200,000-—meaning a collapse to far less than a quarter of the current population and could herald the beginning of the end of the great migration.

The road is also against Unesco’s recommendations that no through roads should pass via any national park or world heritage sites.