Protecting the “Galapagos of Africa” requires both strategic investment and community partnership. For the 2024/2025 fiscal year, the Eastern Arc Mountains Conservation Endowment Fund (EAMCEF) reviewed 167 project proposals aimed at biodiversity conservation and climate change management. A total of Tsh 957,000,000.00 was approved to fund 56 successful projects across key Nature Forest Reserves, including Amani, Chome, Magamba, and the Udzungwa Mountains.
The approved funding is distributed across three vital thematic areas to ensure a holistic impact on the ecosystem. Community Development and Conservation received the largest number of grants with 42 projects totaling Tsh 479 million, while Protected Areas Management was allocated Tsh 332 million for 9 projects. Additionally, five Applied Biodiversity and Climate Change Research initiatives led by institutions like Sokoine University of Agriculture were granted Tsh 146 million to drive data-led conservation strategies.
While many high-quality proposals were received, 82 were unsuccessful due to technical inconsistencies, duplication of existing efforts, or misalignment with priority target sites. EAMCEF remains committed to a transparent and rigorous merit-based review process to ensure every shilling invested generates a sustainable impact. We congratulate the successful grantees and encourage all conservation partners to continue refining their approaches to protect Tanzania’s unique natural heritage.