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Kilimanjaro Region: reforestation and raising public awareness
Summary:
The following case study is featured in the Meister Consultants Group study: *Floating Houses and Mosquito Nets: Emerging Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Around the World*.
As one of the least developed countries in the world, Tanzania is especially vulnerable to the consequences of climate change. More than half of the country lives on less than a dollar per day, and more than 80 percent depend on subsistence agriculture and therefore, on natural resources. Given its geographic conditions, the impacts of climate change in Tanzania are very diverse. Affected sectors include agriculture, water management, public health, biodiversity and energy. Tanzania has developed a national adaptation plan, but the proposed measures are not sufficient to deal with the challenge of climate change. The plan emphasizes only the most urgent short-term measures, and the implementation process is just beginning. This situation is characteristic of many developing countries.
_Source: Dr. Hans-Peter Meister, I. K., Martina Richwein, Wilson Rickerson, Chad Laurent. Additional contributors: Jeff Snell, Elisa Burchert, Florian Lux. (2009). *Floating Houses and Mosquito Nets: Emerging Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Around the World.* Boston: Meister Consultants Group. p. 20._
For more detailed information and references refer to: [Floating Houses - Full Report](http://files.mc-group.com/clst/Study%20Climate%20Change%20Adaption.pdf).
[Meister Consultants Group](http://www.mc-group.com/)
Adaptation Experience:
The snow-covered peak of Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa and is a landmark of Tanzania. However, the famous mountain is seriously affected by the consequences of climate change. The glacier atop Kilimanjaro is melting rapidly, and will probably vanish completely at some point between 2015 and 2020. Less visible is the threat to the entire Kilimanjaro ecosystem posed by changes in water balance. Historically, the region at the foot of the mountain has been densely wooded, providing habitat and wood resources for local populations. Melting glacial water, on which the local population depends, combines to form several rivers that feed the great Pangani river basin.
During the past years, unpredictable precipitation patterns, water scarcity and population growth have changed land use in the region. The local population has had to adapt to the changes, often by clearing forest in order to create new arable land. However, the loss of forests aggravates the cycle of water scarcity and soil erosion, further destabilizing the ecosystem.
In order to stop this cycle, the Ministry of Tourism and National Resources has cooperated with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, research institutions, and NGOs to develop a joint project with a budget of 3.3 million dollars. The project aims to start reforestation programs and to find alternative sources of income for local populations. Overall, the purpose is to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity and sustainability.
Source: United Republic of Tanzania, National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA), Division of Environment, January 2007.
Results and Learning:
Information not available yet.
Sustainability:
Information not available yet.
Replication:
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