The Tanzania Ecosystem and Conservation Organization (TECO) has officially launched a transformative environmental program titled the "Green Horizons Initiative" a large-scale forest restoration project in the biodiverse Eastern Arc Mountains, one of Africa’s most ecologically rich and threatened ecoregions.
Funded through a multi-year grant by the African Climate Trust Fund, the project aims to restore 5,000 hectares of degraded forest land in Lushoto, Bumbuli, and surrounding districts by 2027. This marks one of the most ambitious reforestation efforts in the region.
“The Eastern Arc is a biodiversity hotspot that not only shelters endemic species but also supports critical water catchments for millions. Restoring it is an ecological and humanitarian priority,” said Dr. Deo Mmanda, Executive Director of TECO.
Key components of the project include:
• Establishment of 12 community-run tree nurseries producing over 2 million seedlings.
• Training for 700+ local farmers on agroforestry and soil conservation.
• Deployment of forest monitoring tools (including GPS and drone tech) for tracking regrowth.
• Youth-led awareness campaigns in schools and community centers.
The initiative integrates indigenous knowledge with scientific research and is expected to create over 300 green jobs in its first year alone.
“This is more than planting trees,” said project coordinator Allen Mashalla. “It’s about restoring life, securing water sources, and empowering the people who live in and around these forests.”
Stay tuned as TECO shares quarterly updates and success stories from the field.
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