Context:

Mangrove forests are considered to be formidable defense lines against the sea offensive. Mangroves thwart on-land charging sea waves, which are highly destructive. Absence of mangroves results in degradation of the coastline and expansion of the sea towards land. Mangroves also provide a myriad of social benefits. They include breeding grounds for fish; provision of building poles, fuel wood and critical habitats for a variety of bird species. Most of the mangrove forests are threatened by unsustainable extraction pressure for fuel wood and building poles. Some of the mangrove forests are cut down to make way for salt farms. TAMPA has been making efforts to protect mangrove forests against unsustainable harvesting. TAMPA is also leading a campaign to restore mangrove stands through reforestation activities. The proposed project intends to strengthen the efforts by TAMPA to cooperate with local communities in Temeke District to restore mangrove forests in degraded areas.


About the Proponent:

Tanzania Mangrove Protection Association (TAMPA) is an environment oriented NGO. It was established and registered in 2002. The NGO works with local communities to conserve mangrove forests through awareness raising activities on the protection of mangroves and reforestation where degradation has occurred. TAMPA is concentrating its efforts on the Coastal belt of Dar es Salaam, which appears to have been seriously affected by degradation of mangrove forests. Furthermore, TAMPA is a recipient of various awards in recognition of its outstanding performance in environment conservation and development. The proposed project was reviewed and cleared by the Vice President?s Office (VPO).

Project?s Primary Objective:

To contribute towards conservation of mangrove forests in the Coastal belt of Dar es Salaam through reforestation of mangroves in 50 acres in 4 coastal villages of Kibungo, Mahenge, Mkenya and Pemba Mnazi.

Implementation Strategies:

? Involvement of local communities in project implementation
? Selection of appropriate traditional seeds
? Training of local communities on the importance and conservation of mangrove forests
? Promotion of the spirit of volunteerism in project implementation
? Establishment of Mangrove committee as local institutions to carry forward the agenda for conservation of mangrove forests.
? Drilling of deep water well as an incentive to the local communities to enhance mangrove conservation.