.jpeg)
Mbeya. The Rufiji Basin Water Board, through the Nature-Based Solutions for the Usangu Basin (NBS–USANGU) Project, has officially launched a major environmental conservation campaign involving the planting of 50,000 water-friendly trees aimed at protecting and restoring water sources in the Usangu Basin.
The launch event was held at Igomelo Primary School in Mbarali District Council, Mbeya Region, and brought together government officials, project implementers, teachers and pupils from 15 primary schools located in villages benefiting from the NBS–USANGU project.
The NBS–USANGU project is funded by the Government of Japan through the World Bank and focuses on promoting nature-based solutions to address environmental degradation, water scarcity and climate change impacts in the Usangu Basin.
Speaking during the launch, the Director of the Rufiji Basin Water Board, Engineer David Munkyala, said the initiative forms a critical pillar in ensuring the long-term sustainability of water sources in the basin, which is one of Tanzania’s most important ecological and economic zones.
“These trees we are planting today play a vital role in protecting water sources, reducing soil erosion and restoring natural vegetation that has been degraded over many years,” said Eng Munkyala.
He noted that the Usangu Basin has experienced increasing environmental pressure due to human activities, climate variability and population growth, making conservation efforts such as tree planting more urgent than ever.
Eng Munkyala further explained that involving schoolchildren in the exercise was a deliberate strategy to instil environmental stewardship among the younger generation.
“Children are the future custodians of our environment. By involving them at this early stage, we are making a long-term investment in environmental protection and sustainable water management,” he added.
On his part, the NBS–USANGU Project Coordinator from the Rufiji Basin Water Board, Mr David Muginya, said the project seeks to place communities at the centre of environmental conservation using nature-based approaches.
“This project encourages communities to actively participate in protecting their environment. Schoolchildren are key agents of change because they take the knowledge they acquire back to their homes and communities,” said Mr Muginya.
Officially launching the tree-planting exercise, the Mbarali District Administrative Secretary, Mr Michael Sichwale, called on all stakeholders to ensure that the planted trees are properly nurtured to achieve the intended conservation goals.
“Tree planting should not end with putting seedlings into the ground. Proper care and follow-up are essential to ensure these trees grow and effectively protect our water sources,” said Mr Sichwale.
He stressed that the Usangu Basin is a sensitive and strategic area with significant contribution to national development, particularly in electricity generation, agriculture and tourism.
“Water resources originating from the Usangu Basin support key national development projects. It is therefore our collective responsibility to protect them for the benefit of both present and future generations,” he said.
Participants at the event commended the initiative, describing it as a strong example of effective collaboration between government institutions, local communities and the education sector in environmental conservation.
One of the participating pupils, Irene Chacha, said the activity had helped her understand the importance of trees in protecting water sources and pledged to take care of the tree she planted.
“I am happy to take part in tree planting and I have learned that trees protect water. I will make sure I take care of my tree even at home,” she said.
Another pupil, Ridhione Mbetu, said the exercise had motivated them to become environmental ambassadors in their schools.
“We have received valuable environmental education, and now it is our responsibility to ensure the trees we plant grow well,” he said.
Faith Mdete, another pupil, said the initiative had opened their eyes to their role in environmental protection.
“I am very happy to participate, and I will encourage my fellow pupils to plant and take care of trees to protect our water sources,” she said.
The Rufiji Basin Water Board continues to implement various environmental conservation activities across the Usangu Basin, with the overarching goal of safeguarding water resources, strengthening climate resilience and improving the livelihoods of communities living around the basin.
Comments