Tree-Nation's Newest Chapter: The Mlola Biodiversity Restoration Project in Tanzania.

Written by: John Bett, TN Regional Project Manager Africa.

We're excited to welcome Mlola Biodiversity Restoration as one of our newest affiliated projects. Nestled in the breathtaking Usambara mountains within the Mlola division, the project became part of the Tree-Nation family in early June 2023 and has already received funding for its first 10,000 trees.

The Mlola division, a fragment of the globally significant Usambara mountains within the Tanga region, faces an alarming loss of biodiversity. This is a direct consequence of land degradation from human activities such as unsustainable logging, charcoal burning, and improper agricultural practices, exacerbated by declining rainfall. With a robust strategy involving tree planting, environmental education, local community involvement, cultivation of native tree seedlings, and ecological restoration, the Mlola Biodiversity Restoration project aims to rejuvenate the biodiversity of the Mlola areas and the greater Usambara mountains.

In 2020, the project launched its mission after extensively studying the region's deforestation patterns, which included engaging with surrounding communities. Since then, the project has offered job opportunities in tree planting and has conducted enlightening educational programs. These initiatives have reached over 420 individuals and have led to the planting of more than 8,000 trees.

In collaboration with Tree-Nation, this project is planting 18 different species native to Tanzania. These range from fast-growing species like Croton megalocarpus, fruit-bearing and medicinal species like Markhamia lutea, to endangered species like Afrocarpus usambarensis. The project's planting activities enhance soil and water conservation, regulate extreme temperatures, and foster biodiversity.

Notably, the project's impacts reach beyond environmental restoration. The introduction of job opportunities in tree planting and the potential future growth of a rejuvenated forest can lead to more sustainable economic opportunities. These may include sectors like ecotourism or sustainable forest products. Trees can also significantly improve air quality, and the introduction of medicinal tree species can offer natural health remedies. Furthermore, the planting of fruit trees contributes to local food security by providing a sustainable source of nutrition.

But the secret ingredient to achieving these goals is community involvement and environmental education. By fostering a shared understanding of the importance of biodiversity and equipping the community with the knowledge and tools to protect it, we can ensure the longevity of the project's impact.

At Tree-Nation, we are immensely excited about the future of the Mlola Biodiversity Restoration project. Given the commitment of the team and the local community, we eagerly anticipate the transformations this endeavor will bring to the Usambara mountains.