Thousands of hectares of fragile mountainous forest in north-eastern Tanzania have been preserved through a recently completed seven-year biodiversity project managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Eastern Arc Mountains project, financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), was concluded last month after an independent evaluation reported that at least 10,000 hectares of forest had been saved from destruction, and that the rate of forest loss had been reduced by 10 per cent. River flows from the Eastern Arc are the main source of water for at least a quarter of Tanzania’s population. They produce more than half the country’s hydro-electric power. Water, electricity and non-timber forest products from the area generate over $175 million every year, according to UNDP. Read More
