Tanzania has recently entered into a significant agreement to establish one of the largest land-based carbon credit initiatives in East Africa. This ambitious project encompasses six national parks, spanning an impressive 1.8 million hectares (4.4 million acres) of land. With its vast forest resources reaching nearly 48 million hectares, Tanzania has emerged as a key player in the global carbon credit trade, showcasing its commitment to environmental conservation.
The agreement, forged between Tanzania’s national park management agency, Tanapa, and the local company Carbon Tanzania, is set to contribute to both environmental protection and community development. Carbon credits, a key component of the initiative, operate on the premise that organizations emitting carbon dioxide can offset their impact by purchasing credits equivalent to the amount of carbon emitted. The funds generated from these transactions are then directed towards carbon-lowering initiatives, maintaining or reducing overall carbon and pollutant levels.
In addition to facilitating carbon credit transactions, the project emphasizes the preservation, conservation, and improved management of the designated national park areas. The six parks involved in this landmark initiative include Burigi-Chato, Katavi Plains, Ugalla River, Mkomazi, Gombe Stream, and Mahale Mountains. A portion of the revenue generated from carbon credit sales will be directed towards Tanapa and local communities, ensuring a sustainable and community-focused approach.
Further financial support for the project comes from Mohammed Enterprises Tanzania Limited, a prominent agricultural and manufacturing company owned by Tanzanian businessman Mohammed Dewji. This collaboration underscores the multi-stakeholder involvement in advancing environmental and conservation efforts.
Notably, this recent agreement follows Tanzania’s earlier commitment in February to a preliminary deal for a significantly larger carbon credit initiative, covering a staggering 8.1 million hectares, nearly 8% of the country’s total land mass. This preliminary agreement involved Blue Carbon, a UAE-based company specializing in nature-based solutions and carbon removal projects. While Blue Carbon has faced criticism from environmentalists who view such projects as potential neo-colonialism, the company asserts that its activities adhere to strict regulations and bring tangible benefits to local communities. Blue Carbon has also signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with other African countries, indicating a broader footprint in the region’s carbon credit landscape. The outcomes of these proposals could potentially grant Blue Carbon control over extensive land areas in partner countries for carbon credit production, further shaping the dynamics of carbon-offsetting initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa.
