The Amani Nature Reserve has launched campaign dubbed "Unlock Amani" that among other things aims at promoting Ecotourism while conserving water sources to ensure sustainability of the forests and availability of water. The campaign will culminate in an open three-day trip for people to visit Amani and experience, explore and learn about the initiatives laid down. The trip is scheduled for August 27th to 29th, this year.
Speaking at a press conference in Dar es Salaam, the Amani Conservator, Mr. Bob Matunda said the campaign aims at using collaborative efforts to ensure the reserve is well known to the public and that the surrounding communities are fully aware of what is expected of them in terms of Sustainable Land Management. "We want to ensure that we work closely with the Government and other stakeholders in conservation of Zigi and Ruvu River water sources for sustainable water supply to Tanga," he said, adding that the Sustainable Land Management will ensure improved community livelihood in the Zigi / Ruvu catchment.
He lauded the Ministry of Water through the Pangani Water Basin, Tanzania Forest Services, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Vodacom Foundation for joining efforts in the initiative that is already seen to be making strides. Project partner, Mr. Bakari Bamba, the SLM Project Coordinator said the initiative requires coordination between government institutions, private sector and NGOs in promoting SLM initiatives for improving community livelihood and reliable water supply to Tanga City.
Mr. Bamba said for sustainable resource use, Amani Nature Reserve has introduced an alternative source of income to improve their livelihood such as ecotourism, beekeeping, fish farming, butterfly farming, horticulture, spice-farming - including finding market access and tree nurseries. "We are appealing to organisations and individuals to find time and visit as we 'Unlock Amani' this month from August 27th to 29th this year, where there will be plenty of exciting tourism activities as the reserve has some of the best flora and fauna in the world," he said.
The UNDP Practice Specialist - Climate Change and Energy, Abbas Kitigo said they will continue supporting Sustainable Land Management initiatives that will improve water sources, promote ecotourism and sustainable livelihoods around the Amani Nature Reserve. "The water sources and natural forests are endangered and need a concerted effort to protect at any cost. We are appealing to other stakeholders to also join in this initiative," he appealed.
He said UNDP reiterates the commitment to safeguarding Tanzania forests and the ecosystem service they provide, while promoting development for the communities living around the forests. Recently, The Ministry of Water; UNDP, Vodacom Foundation in collaboration with Tanzania Forest Services hosted a stakeholders' forum to, among other things, deliberate on how to conserve Ruvu and Zigi water sources in Morogoro and Tanga to ensure more water supply and conservation of natural forests like Amani. The Amani Nature Reserve is a protected area located within the Muheza and Korogwe districts in the Tanga Region and was established in 1997 in order to preserve the unique flora and fauna of the East Usambara Mountains.