Scientists also have serious doubts about the value of the mining project, and want to develop the lake as an eco-tourist location instead. An August 2012 survey showed that 75 per cent of local residents were opposed to the construction of the plant. Recent surveys also show that local residents also oppose the proposed mine. However, local and global environmental organizations such as BirdLife International have serious concerns about impacts on both the environmental local communities. Since 2006, the Government of Tanzania has maintained a keen interest in mining soda ash at Lake Natron. However, mining companies are also interested because of its abundance of Soda Ash, a substance used in many industrial processes and products. The lake's unique ecology as a soda lake, its pristine natural state and its importance to many species of migratory birds makes it an exceptionally important environmental habitat with many functions in the natural ecosystems.Ĭonservation biologists have been interested for decades in ensuring the conservation of Lake Natron. Lake Natron is an ideal candidate to be part of the Destination Flyways project because of its exceptional ecological significance for migratory birds and many other species, as well as its great potential to be developed as a popular bird related tourist location. Lake Natron is a salt lake located on the border between Tanzania and Kenya, part of the eastern branch of the Rift Valley. Experts say that without Lake Natron as a habitat to breed, the iconic Lesser Flamingo would no doubt be en route to extinction. Over 75 per cent of the world population of this species migrates each year to Lake Natron to breed, and the survival of the Lesser Flamingo will depend on the lake’s conservation. Lake Natron is the only significant and regular breeding site for the East-African population of Lesser Flamingo ( Phoeniconaias minor) which is categorized as Near Threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red list of Threatened Species, mainly because of interest in soda ash mining at Lake Natron. Eco-tourism at Lake Natron could help conserve an extremely important natural resource, while at the same time helping local communities develop sustainable livelihoods. Lake Natron is spectacularly rich in biodiversity, natural beauty and environmental value and these characteristics give it not only great tourism potential but also make the lake extremely important for conservation. Lake Natron – Home to 1.5 Million Lesser Flamingos
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