Birthday Tree Planting Project

Tanzania is endowed with valuable renewable natural resources such as forests, freshwater, fisheries, abundant land, and unparalleled wildlife. Over 50 percent of total land area in Tanzania is covered by forests and woodlands (URT, 2017), which provide vital habitat for biodiversity, protect watersheds and deliver ecosystem services. The Northern Highlands of Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, and the Southern Highlands near Mbeya provide fertile soils for agriculture and species rich forests.

The Eastern Arc and Coastal Forests are biodiversity hotspots that contain some of the highest densities of endemic plant and animal species in the world. Throughout the country, a network of freshwater rivers and lakes provide drinking water and nutrients, sustain agriculture and enable hydropower. Tanzania hosts diverse, distinct, and iconic ecosystems and species. Lake Victoria, the largest lake in Africa, is recognized for its high levels of endemic fish species, supports a large fishing industry and provides food security and jobs for surrounding residents. Tanzania’s coastline hosts numerous fringing and patch reefs, important both ecologically and socio-economically as major fishing grounds and tourist attractions.

The land in Babati, was once a forested sanctuary for wildlife and people. But in the past 50 years, unsustainable farming practices and the increasing demand for charcoal for cooking have degraded most of the region's forests. The result is severe erosion, depleted water basins, and dry rivers.

As TAJPI realize Earth's fragility and the need to restore and protect Earth's ecological integrity; to reverse that damage, it will support 8,000 students from 8 secondary schools in Babati Districts to establish their own tree woodlots with emphasis on ecological conversion with a view to achieving self-sufficiency in firewood supply, improve on nutrition and make schools livable places adequate for study meanwhile make the difference in reversing environmental degradation in Tanzania.

For the third quarter ending up on October 2024, TAJPI has accomplished the following MILESTONE

1. We continued to strengthen the 4 BTP clubs at Galapo Secondary schools by enabling them to plant seedlings and encouraging other students to join them.
2. Planting 110 trees in Galapo Secondary Compounds
3. TAJPI has also trained about 260 students of Magugu Primary School on environmental and ecological convention and preparations to establish environmental clubs BTP clubs.

FUNDRAISING STATUS AND OUR REMARK

Up to this moment, TAJPI has raised only US$ 40 which is below to 50% of the amount targeted to be raised. The activities which were carried out for the third quarter would not be possible without the in-kind support from TAJPI Staff and volunteers, the amount was too tiny to finance the activities.

We understand the importance of the project, and our expectation is to see the results of this project become a reality. We are also aware of the funding shortage facing many non-profits especially those from third world countries. Therefore, we continue to ask your support to ensure the project become a reality. Our hope remains on your giving.

Links:

• Birthday tree planting celebration (BTP)

• October 2024 BTP report PDF file with pictures (PDF)