TANZANIA is determined to intensify the fight against poaching and illegal ivory trade through employment of more wildlife management personnel to patrol and protect its wildlife, President Jakaya Kikwete has declared.

"We have already embarked on an ambitious programme to increase employment of these cadres, last year we allocated funds to employ 459 game rangers and wardens while this year we will employ additional 500 personnel,"

Mr Kikwete made the remarks here on Thursday while addressing delegates at the London Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade 2014 held at the Lancaster House.

The one-day meeting drew delegates from over 50 countries and was attended by among others Britain's Prime Minister David Cameroon, Prince Charles and his two sons Prince William and Prince Harry.

Mr Kikwete further said Tanzania seeks to meet the total requirements of 4,788 game rangers by the year 2016 from the current rate of 1,088 rangers.

The President asked developed nations to support African countries by training anti-poaching personnel as well as providing the countries with technology and equipment to fight poaching.

"Our game rangers and wardens need to be empowered with better and modern equipment so that they can effectively perform their duties.

"Among others, they need vehicles, surveillance and modern communication equipment. Unfortunately, we are falling short of these needs. Much more needs to be done and support from the international community is critical," he observed.

President Kikwete also asked the developed countries to support countries affected by poaching to build more capacity on inspection at ports and points of exit to ensure that no cargo containing ivory, rhino horns or other contraband goods would cross borders without being detected.

"Inspection is constrained by lack of adequate financial resources to acquire requisite technology. Support in this regard would be highly appreciated," he noted.

Describing the London conference as a historic opportunity to take a landmark decision to save elephants and rhinos, the Head of State said he was optimistic the international community would pronounce itself on supporting developing nations in the war against poaching and illegal wildlife trade.