Bio-diversity

Context: Chome is currently the largest reserve under participatory forest Management in Same District. It constitutes one of the most important environmental areas within the Eastern Arc Mountains. Its forest has high biodiversity values and is a carbon store. It is home to six plants and one vertebrate species endemic to these forests as well as 62 species that are endemic to the Eastern Arc Mountains. In recognition of these singular characteristics, in 2008, the area was upgraded from Forest Reserve to Nature Reserve. The proposed project will add value and contribute to ongoing management and conservation of this globally significant Nature Reserve. About the Proponent: TFCG was established and registered in 1985. The objective of TFCG is to promote conservation of biodiversity hotspots in Tanzania. Todate, TFCG has supported 160 villages in 16 districts to adopt Participatory Forest Management including establishing nine new Village Forest Reserves covering 29,-41 ha. of forest. Furthermore, TFCG supports livelihood issues to communities that live adjacent to forest reserves. Examples of livelihood projects that are supported by TFCG include beekeeping, butterfly farming, conservation agriculture, agroforestry and microfinance. Project s Primary Objective: To contribute to the sustainable management and conservation of Chome Nature Reserve through empowerment and active participation of adjacent local communities. Implementation Strategies: Establishment of Joint Forest Management (JFM) in 2 pilot communities adjacent to Chome Nature Reserve Creation of land use plants at the village level for better use of land and land-based resources in each of the target villages Promotion of alternative income generating activities specifically butterfly farming, beekeeping and agroforestry Wider adoption of woodfuel efficient cookstoves Increased awareness on environmentally related rights to a bigger section of the people in Same District

Tanzania