NGO’s launches campaign to plant 30,000 trees in Kilimanjaro

KILIMANJARO: MOSHI-BASED Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Jane Goodall Institute Roots and Shoots (JGI-R&S), has embarked on an annual campaign to plant 30,000 trees, aimed at improving and conserving the environment in the Kilimanjaro region.

This was revealed recently by JGI-R&S Coordinator, Mr Dismas Mlaki, during the launch of the institution’s Kilimanjaro Green Hub building in Moshi, Kilimanjaro.

“To make this campaign a success, we have established tree nurseries that will produce seedlings for distribution across different parts of Kilimanjaro. This will lead to the planting of more trees and, in turn, improve the environment,” he noted.

He further explained that the campaign also aims to repopulate the Moshi-based Rau Forest by planting new trees annually.

“As we all know, trees are essential in the fight against climate change, protecting biodiversity, conserving water and maintaining soil fertility,” he added.

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Commenting on the newly launched building, Mr Mlaki said it would serve as a centre for environmental conservation and improvement activities.

“The Kili Green Hub building will be a dynamic educational space where young people will participate in workshops, training sessions and hands-on activities focused on climate change, recycling projects, forest conservation and sustainable environmental practices,” he said.

Mr Mlaki also commended the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) for supporting the NGO’s initiatives, including the establishment of the new building, saying their support has significantly contributed to JGI-R&S’s ongoing success.

Speaking at the event, TFS Conservation Officer Zayana Mrisho assured that the institution would continue working with environmental conservation stakeholders, including JGIR&S, to ensure the sustainability of conservation efforts.

On her part, Kili Green Hub Project Leader Marjolin Praaming noted that the project, established in 2021, has already made a positive impact on environmental conservation.

“The great thing about this project is the involvement of many young people, who will become future conservationists clear evidence that the conservation campaign will remain sustainable,” she said.