Green Economy in East Usambara Biosphere Reserves, Tanzania. COP 22, November 2016

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1 Green Economy in East Usambara Biosphere Reserves, Tanzania COP 22, November 2016

2 Green Economy in Biosphere Reserves Project Project period: November 2013 to December 2016 Objective: Enhancing environmental conservation in and around East Usambara Biosphere Reserve (EUBR) through diversifying livelihoods and poverty reduction Rationale of the Project: Forest ecosystems, including water catchment areas were severely threatened in the EUBR. The project sought to develop alternative livelihoods which have impacted on the region in two ways: 1. Income of targeted population increased and resulting in reduced poverty levels 2. Ecosystem preserved through collaboration with local communities in order to replace livelihoods that are harmful to the environment with those that contribute to the protection of the environment. 6 Green Businesses: 1. Beekeeping, 2. Butterfly Farming, 3. Mushroom farming, 4. Spice Farming, 5. Fish Farming, 6. Alternative Charcoal Production Formalization of farming activities through establishment of associations and adherence to formal banking systems 800 farmers empowered of which 50% women

3 Beekeeping Rationale of intervention: Environmentally friendly business Suitable environment for beekeeping Large number of people with free beehives with poor technical Skills 37 groups formed & 472 people equipped with skills on beekeeping production & management Direct market linkage & knowledge sharing secured through one year free membership of Tanzania Honey Council Significant increase of honey production (from 20L to 200L) per harvest Massive increase on number of beehives from 3 to 259 in one association (from September 2015 to September 2016) in just one year Honey Quality Improvement Diversification of production

4 Butterfly Farming Rationale of intervention: Butterflies are non-harmful species for the environment Easy to conduct with low investment costs Easily combined with daily chores in the household, hence ideal for women 3 butterfly farming groups formed comprising 49 beneficiaries 2 groups made USD 200 in sales per harvest, just 3 months after the training Direct market linkage through Tanzania Forest Conservation Group Way forward: Scaling up the business and expanding to benefit more people

5 Fish Farming Rationale of intervention: Suitable environment for fish farming Mobilization of sustainable fishing technology 69 fish farmers organised in 4 associations with improved knowledge on conducive environment, species and techniques for fresh water fish farming Additional income generation through combination of fish farming with vegetable farming Expanding the business to other beneficiaries

6 Spice Farming Rationale of intervention: Adequate environment for spices growing (Cloves, Cinnamon, Pepper) Poor skills on Spice farming Poor capacity to access markets for spices 240 farmers grouped into 21 organized in 5 associations equipped with skills for spice production Market linkages with buyers in Dar es Salaam, Denmark & Canada New environmental suitable spices introduced (Vanilla and Ginger) Smart partnership with a private company (ZASPO Ltd.) enabled enabled both skills development and market linkages Increased use of spices among communities for medication & nutrition purposes Expansion of spices production given large market demands

7 Mushroom Farming Rationale of intervention: Suitable environment for mushroom farming Easy to conduct and low cost business Existing market in local tourism venues and in Dar es Salaam 54 farmers grouped into 3 groups and already initiated businesses Mushroom shelter construction with local, low costs and sustainable materials Harvesting initiated 2 months after training Increased network on the business through Dar s Mushroom Growers Association Improving production of local mushroom Diversifying the mushroom products Expansion production to the other groups

8 Alternative Charcoal Production Rationale of intervention: New Government policy to ban traditional charcoal to prevent deforestation Replace traditional charcoal with alternative cooking fuel which uses agricultural waste instead of firewood Training the traditional producers in the alternative modes 70 alternative charcoal producers grouped into 2 groups and initiated businesses Production & marketing initiated immediately after training Linkage between alternative charcoal production groups and secondary & primary schools for extra-curricular activities for biodiversity education Hugh local market assured hence no need for search of external markets Expand production to other groups and explore the bigger markets Encourage parents to take part in schools extra-curricular activities including charcoal production groups

9 Business Development Support Modalities of support: a) Elaboration of Business Plans b) Development of Revolving Fund Management System c) Green Business Associations forming d) Linkage with public/private support mechanisms Rationale for Intervention: Need for development of entrepreneurial skills Need for changing mind-set towards financial autonomy Need to achieve economy of scales All green businesses financed through internal revolving fund mechanisms based on local cultural micro- financing practices (VICOVA) Changed mind-set of farmers from donor-dependency to self-reliance favouring group savings & investments 70 groups formed and registered into 20 associations All groups have now bank accounts Enhancing business modalities as an association

10 Expanding the project to the other areas with similar ecosystems Modalities of support: Applying Green Business Model in the Kilimanjaro World Heritage Site Rationale for Intervention: Need for resolving conflicts between communities and local park rangers around buffer zone of Kilimanjaro National Park Need for capacity building of local government to manage World Heritage Site Need for alternative livelihoods to replace environmentally harmful income generation activities 141 beneficiaries divided into 5 groups operates businesses on Alternative Charcoal Production, Beekeeping, Mushroom Farming, Spice Farming and Fish Farming Changed mind-set of farmers from donor-dependency to self-reliance, favouring group savings & investments through establishing revolving fund system Market linkage assured for all green businesses through partnership with private sector and targeting the tourism market Stronger relationship between villagers and local government through collaboration to implement activities Enhancing business modalities as an association

11 Overall Way-Forward Expanding the diversification of livelihoods with other green business with local species (ex: Cocoa) Expanding the project to the other areas, such as Pemba which have similar environmental ecosystems and challenges to East Usambara Biosphere Reserve Branding the production from Biosphere Reserves Expanding the concept to other types of ecosystems (ex: Savanah areas, Costal zones, Lake zones, et cetera)

12 Thank you for your attention Contact for more information: UNESCO Dar es Salaam