Yas advances green initiatives in Mt Kilimanjaro

KILIMANJARO: Yas Tanzania has advanced its environmental agenda through a tree-planting initiative in Mount Kilimanjaro designed to protect vital water sources, support agricultural productivity and promote sustainable tourism.

The Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner, Mr Nurdin Babu, praised the Yas Go Green for Kili initiative, urging more organisations to join efforts in protecting the region’s natural heritage.

On his part, YAS Tanzania’s Chief Executive Officer, Pierre Canton Bacara said the project is beginning to show real gains on the ground.

“The progress achieved so far is the result of close collaboration with partners including the Pangani Basin Water Board, the Tanzania Forest Services Agency and the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority, supported by local and regional government structures,” he said.

Since its launch in 2024, the initiative has seen more than 100,000 trees planted and close to 70 hectares of degraded land restored inside Kilimanjaro National Park, with over 5,000 community members participating directly in conservation efforts.

He noted that the project’s tree survival rate—now above 95 percent—reflects strong community engagement and consistent follow-up. This year, the campaign is placing greater emphasis on protecting water sources and raising environmental awareness, particularly among young people.

Over the past week, Yas teams and partners have conducted community sensitisation sessions, engaged students in schools to foster environmental leadership, and organized clean-up exercises around key water catchments.

At of today’s event, 3,000 seedlings were planted as the first step toward the 2025 target of 50,000 trees.At of today’s event, 3,000 seedlings were planted as the first step toward the 2026 target of 50,000 trees.

Mr Bacara emphasized that the initiative is vital for sustaining agriculture, tourism, and local livelihoods across the Kilimanjaro region.

He also tied YAS’ environmental efforts to the company’s broader mission: “As we invest in delivering fast and reliable connectivity to Tanzanians, we recognise our responsibility to protect the natural resources that make development possible.”

He expressed gratitude to conservation partners, government leaders, and Yas and Mixx staff for driving the initiative forward.

“Every tree we plant is a long-term investment in the country’s future,” he added.