Problem statement:

There is high exploitation of forest resources from community forests around Jozani National Park. Forest resources are extracted for woodfuel, charcoal, lime building poles for domestic and commercial purposes. In addition, the Jozani National Park, which is one of the biodiversity hotspots globally, is threatened by encroachment for agricultural purposes due to acute shortage of land. To address this problem, the proposed project intends to deploy a four-pronged approach which will cover the following areas;-

(i) Instill a sense of concern for conservation among the people living adjacent to the national park
(ii) Promote agro-forestry practices to increase supply of forest resources
(iii) Promote bee keeping activities as alternative non-timber forest resources for income generation
(iv) Promote wider use of fuel efficient cookstoves to reduce demand for woodfuel

About the proponent:

Jozani Environment Conservation association (JECA) is an NGO, which was established in 1998. In 1999, it was legally registered. It has wide experience in environment and natural resources management. Its track record is good having worked with a number of national and international development partners include CARE Tanzania, McKnight Foundation, WWF, Foundation for Civil Society-Tanzania and others. In 2004, it worked with SGP on a solar project. The project was implemented successfully.

Project Objective:

To rescue forest resources in community forests around Jozani National park by promoting agro-forestry practices and increasing the concern for conservation.

Implementation strategy:

1. Facilitate Shehia-level meetings to instill concern or conservation among wananchi and transform each Mwananchi to be a guard of another.
2. Promote agro-forestry practices
3. Promote beekeeping for conservation and income
4. Promote wide use of woodfuel saving stoves