A World Bank complaint has been filed by villagers in Tanzania who say the international lender has not provided sufficient compensation or protection after a controversial conservation project caused serious harm to their communities.
The grievance relates to the Resilient Natural Resources Management for Tourism and Growth program, commonly known as REGROW. The World Bank financed the initiative with about $100 million to expand protected areas and boost tourism in Tanzania.
Although the bank cancelled the project in 2024 after mounting criticism, affected communities argue that the damage has not been repaired and that abuses linked to the project are still happening.
World Bank complaint filed by Tanzanian communities
The World Bank complaint was submitted to the bank’s Grievance Redress Service by the Oakland Institute, a U.S.-based think tank that advocates for small farmers and indigenous communities.
The institute filed the grievance on behalf of villagers who say they lost land, access to livelihoods and personal security during the project.
Community members asked to remain anonymous because they fear retaliation from authorities and wildlife officials.
According to the complaint, the World Bank failed to ensure adequate safeguards during the project’s planning and supervision stages.
An earlier internal review by the bank itself concluded that serious failures in oversight had contributed to harm experienced by local communities.
World Bank complaint linked to alleged abuses
The complaint highlights allegations that Tanzanian wildlife rangers committed grave human rights abuses during efforts to expand protected conservation areas.
These allegations include forced evictions, violence, sexual assault and extrajudicial killings.
The REGROW project aimed to protect ecosystems and increase tourism revenue in Tanzania. However, the project became controversial as communities reported being displaced from land they had used for farming and pastoral activities.
The World Bank eventually terminated the program in November 2024 following an investigation into the allegations.
World Bank complaint claims harm continues
Despite the cancellation of the project, the Oakland Institute says that communities remain under pressure and continue to face threats.
In a statement accompanying the complaint, the institute said wildlife rangers have continued to intimidate villagers and restrict access to farmland and grazing areas.
The organization also reported that two additional community members were killed after the project ended.
According to the institute, these developments contradict assurances previously made by the World Bank.
World Bank complaint challenges relief measures
In April 2025, the World Bank introduced an Action Plan designed to address the crisis.
The plan promised to halt forced relocations, protect traditional livelihoods and provide economic support to affected communities.
However, advocacy groups argue that these commitments have not been fulfilled.
They say restrictions on farming and livestock grazing still exist in areas surrounding the protected zones.
Investigators from United Nations human rights bodies have also expressed concerns about the situation and called for stronger protections for communities.
World Bank complaint raises concerns about evictions
Another issue raised in the World Bank complaint is a proposed relocation plan announced by the Tanzanian government.
Officials have reportedly said that residents of five villages could be moved away from protected areas.
Human rights groups say the relocation could affect tens of thousands of people.
Critics argue that the proposal contradicts earlier assurances given by the World Bank that communities would not be forcibly displaced.
World Bank complaint calls for accountability
Anuradha Mittal, executive director of the Oakland Institute, said the World Bank must take stronger action to address the damage caused by the project.
She argued that the institution has significant influence over Tanzania as one of the country’s largest development donors.
According to Mittal, the bank has both the resources and the leverage to ensure justice for affected communities.
The World Bank complaint now places pressure on the lender to provide compensation and enforce protections for villagers who say they continue to suffer from the consequences of the cancelled conservation program.
