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TANZANIA
>> UNDP Equator Prize Finalists and Winners
Selected GEF biodiversity projects:
>> Sustainable coastal livelihoods project:
Improving lives and livelihoods of coastal communities of mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, through implementing participatory and integrated coastal development / economic activities while sustaining coastal resources. The project will use an integrated, holistic approach comprising integrated coastal zone management planning, supporting alternative income generation activities, supporting biodiversity conservation objectives, improving market access and enhancing economic potential of coastal resources. Project components include: 1) strengthening of policy and regulatory frameworks; 2) implementation of participatory integrated coastal zone Management plans; 3) market systems and enterprise development; 4) improved management of marine protected areas; and 5) monitoring and evaluation.>> Development of Mnazi Bay Marine Park:
This project provides additional funding for the development of a multi-purpose Marine Protected Area in the globally significant Mnazi Bay and Rovuma River estuary areas in southern Tanzania. This is Tanzania’s second Marine Park. In keeping with Marine Park philosophy in Tanzania, the sustainable use of marine resources by communities, as well as biodiversity conservation, is emphasized. This is designed as 54-month project with an initial participatory planning phase followed by an implementation phase.>> Conservation and management of the Eastern Arc Mountain Forests:
The primary objective of GEF support is to bring about the long-term sustainable implementation and financing of forest biodiversity conservation and community-based conservation and sustainable development activities in Tanzania’s Eastern Arc Mountain forests. GEF's support responds to the increasing threats to the forests at a time when both local communities and more distant populations are increasingly dependent on them for their lives and livelihoods. GEF support, which is integrated into the implementation of the Tanzania National Forest programme, will focus on protection of forests which are areas of exceptionally high biodiversity and species endemism.>> Back to top
UNDP Equator Prize Finalists and Winners:
>> HASHI Soil Conservation Project (Equator Prize 2002 Finalist)
The most successful conservation methods, even today, are often rooted in local knowledge of the land and natural resources. In Tanzania, the HASHI project has had broad success in reversing land degradation through the rebirth of traditional forms of conservation.
The HASHI project – which stands for Hifadhi Ardhi Shinyanga (Swahili for soil conservation) – is driven by the Ministry of Natural Resources and tourism, but is, in practical terms, a ‘people’s process’. The project leads a widespread community initiative that seeks to reverse the soil degradation that began in the 1970s and was exacerbated by declining land tenure security and shortsighted government policies. Now, through the work of HASHI, the Sukuma people of the Shinyanga region of Tanzania have re-established their traditional Ngitili system of grazing with great dividends for both the natural environment and for the livelihoods of local communities.
Carried out under customary law by households, communities, and schools, the Ngitili system has restored between 350,000 and 500,000 ha of land in over 833 villages since 1986. While the Ngitili system traditionally served to meet fodder production needs, it is now helping to restore woodlands and provide ecological services in dryland watersheds. Farmers graze their animals on Ngitili enclosures for only part of the year. In this way, they are able to prolong the availability of fodder during drought seasons leading to better livelihood security for all. Restored areas are providing more food products, including fruits, meat, and milk, as well as medicines derived from now protected plant species. In addition, through the planting of more tree varieties, improved soil conditions, construction of wells that flow in the dry season, and the introduction of new sustainable enterprises such as beekeeping, household members can spend less time searching for essential goods away from their farms. This benefit is particularly important for women and children, who are now able to spend more time at home and school.
Once known as the ‘Desert of Tanzania’, the Shinyanga region has undergone a remarkable transformation as a result of HASHI’s work. Gradual restoration of ecosystems has taken place and sites that were once almost totally degraded are now covered with dozens of tree species that support the populations of birds and butterflies that have returned to the region. Most significantly, people have been empowered to improve the landscape through local-level decision-making. Rules governing the ownership, development and utilization of the Ngitili method are set by customary institutions and by village by-laws that are designed to meet, and be responsive to, the needs of local people. HASHI is proving that local ways of life can be protected to the benefit of future generations of all species – including people.
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>> Suledo Forest Community (Equator Prize 2002 Finalist)
Many communities in the tropics have a vested interest in forest conservation that comes from generations of interaction with forestlands and the species that inhabit them as well as a reliance on forest products for their livelihoods.
In Tanzania, the Suledo Forest Community, a multi-ethnic society of almost 54,000 people from nine villages in the Arusha region, has implemented an effective and durable system of community land management that allows for conservation, as well as the sustainable use of the forests upon which local livelihoods depend. Harnessing their knowledge of the species-rich Miombo forestlands, the Community has established a system of village-based forest management that effectively meets the diverse needs of local people and shows that poverty reduction and biodiversity conservation are mutually supportive.
Having been spurred into action in 1993 by government plans for managing local forests, communities have regained control over land management and have devised a unique system of forest management zones to ensure sustainability. Instead of accepting a government-mandated plan, which would have ignored the existence of a longstanding community claim to the land, local Maasai have taken control of the forestlands and are implementing their vision of a sustainably managed forest that promises environmental integrity while also meeting the needs of local people.
Over a 167,000 ha region, the Suledo Forest Community has devised an agreement that has turned Maasai grazing areas into lands shared with migrating tribes and settling farmers. Each village has divided its lands into discrete management zones, each with specific land-use rules established by local by-laws. Local environmental committees now patrol these zones to ensure enforcement. As a result of the Suledo Forest Community’s interventions, villagers now have access to a range of forest products, including sustainable timber and products such as fruits, nuts, mushrooms and medicines. Water supply has also been improved, sustainable tree nurseries, vegetable gardens and orchards have been introduced, and maize production has increased from 15 to 25 bags per hectare. Some of the 27 wildlife species found in the forest and many of the tree species that were in danger of becoming locally extinct are now coming back. Poaching has also been reduced so that eland and elephants now have a better chance of surviving in a landscape increasingly dominated by human activity. Endangered tree species are also becoming more abundant as a result of the organization’s work.
Overall, the work of the Suledo Forest Community has led to a tremendous burgeoning of local biodiversity, while at the same time improving the lives of the resource-dependent Suledo people themselves.
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>> Rufiji Environment Management Project (REMP-MUMARU) (Equator Prize 2004 Finalist)
Since 1998, this project has made headway in its goal of promoting long term conservation through wise use of the lower Rufiji forests, woodlands and wetlands. Several of the villages with which the group works are adjacent to the Selous Gamer Reserve – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. REMP seeks to ensure biodiversity is conserved, critical ecological functions are maintained, renewable resources are used sustainably and the livelihoods of the area’s inhabitants are secure and enhanced. Working closely with district authorities, communities and other stakeholders, REMP has taken important steps in developing an environmental management plan at district and village levels. This activity is going hand in hand with awareness raising, training of communities in sustainable fisheries and beekeeping as well as tree propagation and planting. Encouraged by the cooperation of government authorities and the enthusiasm of local communities, REMP looks towards a more sustainable future for Rufiji.
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