Sustainable land project to expand to more regions
MBEYA: THE government has allocated about 25bn/- for the Sustainable Land Rehabilitation and Biodiversity Conservation Project in Tanzania (SLR-Tanzania) from 2021 to 2025, covering five regions and seven district councils.
Due to positive community response, the government now plans to expand the project to additional regions and districts nationwide.
Speaking over the weekend in Mbeya after the national executive committee meeting overseeing the project, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Vice-President, Engineer Cyprian Luhemeja, highlighted the project’s success and future plans.
He noted that evaluations conducted by the government revealed widespread satisfaction with the project’s implementation, prompting plans for expansion to enhance environmental conservation efforts across the country.
“In October this year, we will evaluate the project to explore further expansion. This will not only help in preserving the environment but also support communities in launching income-generating projects alongside sustainable conservation efforts,” said Eng Luhemeja.
He described the SLR project as a model initiative aimed at increasing environmental awareness and helping communities leverage climate change opportunities for economic benefits.
The Office of the Vice-President will continue to strengthen community capacities to maximise these opportunities.
“In Katavi Region and Mpimbwe District, citizens have embraced tree planting and the carbon business, boosting their incomes. We are committed to extending these opportunities to more regions,” he said.
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He added that the project promotes modern, ecofriendly agricultural practices, including improved seeds and irrigation technologies, enabling farmers to achieve higher yields.
Eng Luhemeja also urged project beneficiaries to make effective use of available resources to ensure sustainability and take the lead in environmental conservation efforts.
National Coordinator for the SLR Project, Dr Damas Mapunda, announced that 9.9bn/- has been allocated for 2025 to support various project activities.
“This project has gained support from leaders and the public, helping the government achieve its goal of restoring natural vegetation across the country,” Dr Mapunda said.
He noted that the project has reached 67 per cent completion and emphasised the government’s commitment to working with stakeholders to ensure timely completion while maintaining high standards.
The SLR project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and is overseen by the Office of the Vice-President.
Launched in 2021, the project is set to conclude in 2025, benefiting five regions, seven district councils, 18 wards, and 54 villages, including Iringa Rural, Mbeya, Wanging’ombe, Mbarali, Sumbawanga Rural, Tanganyika and Mpimbwe.
