Conservation of Coastal Eco-Systems in Tanzania: The PWANI Project

The project aims to conserve and manage coastal ecosystems in Tanzania, with a focus on the Bagamoyo, Pangani, and Zanzibar regions. The project period spans from December 15, 2009, to December 14, 2013, with a budget of $4,377,061, including a cost share from the University of Rhode Island. The project's primary target beneficiaries are coastal districts, government departments and institutions, and local communities. Major counterpart organizations include the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC), the Vice President's Office (VPO), and the Government of Tanzania. The project's strategic objective is to conserve and manage coastal ecosystems, with a focus on protecting critical coastal forests, wildlife, and freshwater resources. During the third quarter of FY 2012 (April 1 - June 30), the project achieved several key results. In terms of biological significance, 10,271 new hectares were brought under improved management, bringing the cumulative total to 168,731 hectares. However, no new hectares showed improved biophysical conditions for selected parameters. The project also made progress in addressing climate change, with 7 laws, policies, strategies, plans, agreements, or regulations officially proposed, adopted, or implemented as a result of USG assistance. In terms of energy efficiency, 225 households implemented energy-efficient measures, representing a 35% increase from the previous quarter. The project also trained 590 individuals, exceeding the target by 118%. Additionally, 9,234 person-hours of training in natural resources management and/or biodiversity conservation were supported by USG assistance, representing a 107% increase from the previous quarter. The project's results also indicate progress in increasing access to finance, with 89 households receiving community credit and start-up grants, representing a 74% increase from the previous quarter. Furthermore, 505 out of 855 participants in USG-assisted programs were females, representing a 59% proportion of females. The project's implementing partner, the Tanzania Coastal Management Partnership, is led by Baraka Kalangahe, with Elin Torell serving as the project manager. The project's agreement officer's representative is Gabriel Batulaine, and the agreement officer's technical representative is Gilbert Kajuna. The project's results are presented in a series of indicators, including the number of hectares in areas of biological significance under improved management, the number of laws, policies, and regulations addressing climate change, and the number of households implementing energy-efficient measures. The project's progress is also reflected in the number of individuals trained, the number of person-hours of training supported, and the number of households receiving community credit and start-up grants. Overall, the Conservation of Coastal Eco-Systems in Tanzania: The PWANI Project has made significant progress in conserving and managing coastal ecosystems in Tanzania, with a focus on protecting critical coastal forests, wildlife, and freshwater resources. The project's results indicate progress in addressing climate change, increasing access to finance, and improving energy efficiency.