By Alfred Zacharia
On May 15, 2025, the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, through the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment) in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), officially launched a $19 million project aimed at strengthening climate resilience in the Kigoma region.
Funded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) through the Green Climate Fund (GCF) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the project is designed to restore ecosystems and support vulnerable communities affected by both climate change and refugee-related challenges.
Representing the Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Eng. Hamad Yussuf Masauni, Kigoma Regional Commissioner Thobias Andengenye officiated the launch, announcing that the five-year project will be implemented in Kasulu, Kibondo, and Kakonko districts from 2025 to 2030.
The project is expected to benefit more than 570,000 people and restore approximately 42,000 hectares of forest and agricultural ecosystems in a region that currently hosts over 190,000 refugees from conflict-affected neighboring countries, particularly Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Most of the refugees live in the Nduta, Nyarugusu, and Mtendeli camps.
“This initiative will be a model project that uses ecosystem-based approaches as a key strategy for building resilience to climate change in areas facing serious environmental and humanitarian challenges,” said Andengenye.
He added that between 2011 and 2018, Kigoma lost an estimated 5.3% of its forest cover, equivalent to 108,000 hectares, mainly due to the demand for firewood.
The newly launched project aims to reverse this trend and strengthen climate adaptation efforts in the region.
Speaking during the launch, Ms. Kemilembe Mutasa, Director of Environment at the Vice President’s Office, noted that the inception workshop brought together 90 participants from various sectors and regions. She emphasized the alignment of the project with the national Climate Change Response Strategy (2021–2026), which addresses increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns, floods, and droughts caused by unsustainable practices.
She also highlighted that the project will serve as a catalyst for carbon trading initiatives through reforestation efforts across the three targeted districts.
Representing UNEP, Ms. Paz Rey reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working closely with the Government of Tanzania and other stakeholders in addressing climate change impacts.
“This launch marks a critical milestone in supporting the National Environmental Master Plan, which is being implemented by the Vice President’s Office,” she said, adding that the Kigoma project sets a national example of how environmental sustainability and community resilience can be advanced together.
“I thank UNHCR for its strong partnership, and this collaboration demonstrates the fruitful results of our joint efforts with the Tanzanian government,” Ms. Paz added.
From UNHCR, Ms. Julia Seevinck expressed gratitude to the Tanzanian government, especially the Ministry of Home Affairs, for its longstanding commitment to hosting and protecting refugees.
“Climate change is one of the greatest global challenges, affecting all populations through various disasters,” she said. “We are already seeing its effects through El Niño-related rains and flooding. That is why collective efforts such as this project are crucial in mitigating future risks.”
The project’s launch signals a major step forward in Tanzania’s pursuit of sustainable development and environmental conservation, particularly in regions like Kigoma, where both human and environmental vulnerabilities intersect.