The research project aimed at enhancing the utilization of biodiversity information for sustainable conservation and income generation in the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania has revealed the presence of over 3,935 different species in the natural forests of Kilombero, Udzungwa, and Uluguru reserves.
The project leader, Prof. Pantaleo Munishi from the Department of Ecosystem and Conservation at Sokoine University of Agriculture, presenting the research results.
Professor Pantaleo Munishi, the head of the research project from the Department of Ecosystems and Conservation at Sokoine University of Agriculture, presented the research findings. During a three-day training session for conservation officers from these three natural forest reserves in the Eastern Arc Mountains, Prof. Munishi emphasized that these research results would help conservationists recognize and develop strategies for preserving these diverse species. Furthermore, the goal is to promote global awareness of these biodiversity assets.
He highlighted that the Eastern Arc Mountains are globally recognized as an important area for biodiversity conservation. Despite numerous conservation projects in these forests, accurate information about the species present has been lacking throughout the implementation period. The existing data has also been scattered, making it challenging for stakeholders to access and utilize it effectively. This situation is exacerbated by the significant impact of climate change on many species, leading to their decline or disappearance.
After completing the research to identify the biodiversity in these three natural forest reserves of the Eastern Arc Mountains, the team decided to engage conservation officers from these areas. They provided training on using online platforms to disseminate information about these species globally, thereby facilitating better conservation efforts.
During the opening of the three-day training, Dr. Ezekiel Mwakalukwa, retired Director of Forestry and Beekeeping at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, emphasized that well-preserved research results, easily accessible in one place, can inform sound decisions benefiting both communities and the nation. He praised the significant work carried out by the research team, led by Prof. Pantaleo Munishi from Sokoine University of Agriculture, in identifying crucial biodiversity within the Eastern Arc Mountains. Dr. Mwakalukwa stressed the importance of robust conservation planning to ensure these valuable resources continue to contribute to development.
Retired Director of the Department of Forestry and Beekeeping at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Ezekiel Mwakalukwa, who is a senior lecturer from Sokoine University of Agriculture, is opening the training
Additionally, Mr. Alan Kimbita, a planning and communication officer from the Eastern Arc Mountains Conservation Endowment Fund (EAMCEF), the project’s funding organization, commended the researchers from Sokoine University of Agriculture and the Open University of Tanzania for providing essential information that enables the recognition of biodiversity in these areas.
Alan Kimbita, who is a planning and communication officer from the Eastern Arc Mountains Conservation Endowment Fund (EAMCEF), is expressing words of gratitude to the researchers
After publishing information about some of the identified living organisms in those forests, we have already started receiving inquiries from various parts of the world. People want to know where these species are found. This is a positive sign because if all the information is collected and disseminated comprehensively, it will attract many stakeholders to come and visit, observe, and even conduct research to support conservation,” said Kimbita.
The research has revealed biodiversity information about plants, birds, animals, reptiles, and others. Through these findings, they plan to ensure that this information is widely shared on all platforms and integrated into the Tanzanian Biodiversity Information Facility (TanBIF) and the global Biodiversity Information Facility (BGIF).
