The Regional Commissioner for Manyara Region, Queen Sendiga, has called on councillors in Simanjiro District Council to actively embrace carbon credit projects, saying they present a practical opportunity to improve livelihoods, strengthen environmental conservation, and accelerate local development.
RC Sendiga made the remarks in Orkesumet township during a full council meeting, where she also inaugurated a new council bus purchased through own-source revenue, unveiled newly furnished council office facilities, and received the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) report for the 2024/2025 financial year in which Simanjiro achieved a clean audit opinion.
She said carbon credit initiatives are already transforming several areas in Tanzania, particularly in pastoral districts, and urged Simanjiro leaders not to be left behind.
She pointed to neighbouring Kiteto District as a success story, saying it has already benefited from development projects funded through carbon credit schemes, including social services and environmental conservation programmes.
“Your neighbours in Kiteto have already benefited from development projects through carbon credit initiatives. This is a real opportunity for Simanjiro as well, and you should take advantage of it,” said RC Sendiga.
She emphasized that carbon credit projects are not only environmentally focused but also directly linked to community development, including improved education facilities, social services, and other public infrastructure.
She reassured councillors and residents that the projects are safe, transparent, and designed to benefit local communities without disrupting their livelihoods.
“This is an opportunity for Simanjiro. Embrace carbon credit projects so that your community can benefit from development projects such as schools and other essential services,” she added.
Simanjiro District Council Chairperson, Kaleya Mollel, said the council has received the guidance and is committed to working on the necessary steps to implement carbon credit programmes in the district.
He said the initiatives will help protect the environment while also creating sustainable development opportunities for residents, adding that the council will ensure proper procedures are followed to make the projects effective and beneficial.
Residents who spoke to this publication also welcomed the initiative, saying carbon credit projects are a good opportunity for Simanjiro if well implemented.
Esupati John said the projects are important because they support environmental protection while also generating funds for community development projects such as schools and other services.
She noted that although some residents still have concerns, there is a need for more awareness to help communities understand the benefits and avoid misinformation.
Another resident, Aloyce Balthazar, said pastoral communities in Kiteto and Longido districts in Arusha Region have already benefited from similar initiatives and urged Simanjiro residents to support the programme.
He dismissed fears that carbon credit projects would restrict grazing areas, saying such claims are not true and should not discourage communities from participating in environmentally friendly development programmes.
