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Environmental concerns for the Mount Kilimanjaro
region have also attracted international attention
and a number of conservation projects are
currently being implemented. The United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP) and the United
Nations Foundation, for example, jointly provided
USD 264,000 to the Tanzanian Government in
support of environmental conservation projects and
the promotion of ecotourism on Mt. Kilimanjaro
(OECD, 2003).
Other projects and activities that have been implemented
include the ‘Reducing Land Degradation on the
Highlands of Kilimanjaro Region’ project which aimed
to support sustainable land management as a basis for
economic development, food security and sustainable
livelihoods, while restoring the ecological integrity
of the Kilimanjaro region’s ecosystems. In addition,
UNDP implemented the “Community Management of
Protected Area Conservation Project” which aimed to
promote community-based biodiversity conservation
in the Kilimanjaro region (OECD, 2003).
Lessons Learned
It is worth noting that if Mount Kilimanjaro lost its
glaciers, the loss may not have a major impact on the
hydrology of the mountain. It is also unlikely that
the loss of glaciers would have a significant long-
term impact on tourism. It is however, important to
note that the ice-cores on Mount Kilimanjaro are a
repository of paleo-climatic records, and valuable
climatic records would be irreplaceably lost.
Mount Kilimanjaro is a water tower of international
importance, and therefore needs attention at both
local and international levels. There is a need for
more concerted efforts in the conservation of the
mountain and the glaciers therein.
Recommendations
The following measures are recommended of the
ecosystem integrity of Mount Kilimanjaro is to be
maintained:
• Constant monitoring and investment in weather
and climate early warning systems;
• Reforestation programmes that can possibly
protect the mountain water catchment area;
• Inclusion of issues relevant to mountains in
national and international policy processes; and
• Mainstream climate change adaptation at all
levels, from sectoral strategies and programmes
down to the grassroots level.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania