friends of usambara society, tanzania
The Friends of Usambara Society (FOU)’s mission is to operate sustainable tourism in the Usambara, Tanzania, by monitoring the tourism activities in such way that the local community receives benefits. Several projects have been implemented by FOU such as school renovations, construction of teachers’ houses and tree planting.
One of the current projects that Planeterra’s support has the purpose to rehabilitate degraded land in Mbanga and the Matae villages through establishment of household level woodlots and community-based training for sustainable management of forest resources.
The Lushoto district is one of the densely populated districts in Tanzania with an average population of 124 people per square kilometer. Many of these people have mainly depended on forest products for their livelihood. The communities bordering the forests cut down forests to expand their farms and for many other uses. Human activity is depleting the forests leaving the land bare and causing the flora and fauna to die out. Many water sources are drying up. The ultimate result is drought and hunger to people not only in the Usambara Mountains but also in the lowlands.
The forest in Usambara is a resource for ecotourism and habitat to wild animals. It is also important for storing carbon dioxide. The forests help to conserve globally important biodiversity resources. Ecotourism in the region also provides direct benefits to Friends of Usambara tour guides who are implementing the project.
Planeterra has partnered with Friends of the Usambara Society, a local, grassroots organization that develops and promotes responsible tourism as a means to conserve and protect the area’s natural and cultural resources. Recent initiatives have led to renovations of the school, construction of new buildings, and tree planting to create outside areas that shade students during their classes. Learn more about the project here.
