Tanzania eyes carbon credits funds through Selous

THE government on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a Singapore-registered company to design Africa’s largest carbon offset project to bankroll, conserve and restore the globally renowned Selous Game Reserve ecosystem.

The ecosystem comprises Selous, Msanjesi and Kilombero game reserves, all situated in south-eastern Tanzania.

The MoU forms a partnership between Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) and GreenCop Development PTE Ltd that will see Tanzania’s highest integrity carbon offset project created.

GreenCop will pay 3.6 million US dollars (about 8.4bn/-) upfront to intensify conservation activities in the high profile ecosystem before the voluntary carbon offset project activities take off.

The voluntary carbon offset project will carry out a series of projects meant for avoiding greenhouse gas emissions and sequestering carbon from the atmosphere on the ecosystem that covers 2.4 million hectares.

TAWA and GreenCop jointly share a vision in the MoU, to secure a long-term financial viability of the Selous, Msanjesi and Kilombero game reserves by protecting nature and addressing climate change.

Communities surrounding the ecosystem will financially and economically benefit from carbon credits to be sold to the international voluntary carbon market.

TAWA Conservation Commissioner, Mr Mabula Nyanda, signed the MoU on behalf of the government, while the GreenCop CEO, Mr Jean-Jacques Coppee, signed on behalf of the investors.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism Dr Hassan Abbasi, witnessed the ceremony held at the National College of Tourism in Dar es Salaam on behalf of the minister, Mr Mohamed Mchengerwa.

Also, in attendance at the ceremony from the government were the Chairman of TAWA Board of Directors, Major General (rtd) Hamis Semfuko, Professor Eliakim Zahabu, the Coordinator for National Carbon Monitoring Centre and Professor Suzana Augustino, the member of the TAWA Board of Directors.

“Tanzania stands a great opportunity to benefit from the emerging carbon market,” Mr Mchengerwa said in a speech read on his behalf by the PS.

About 307,800 square kilometres, equivalent to 32.5 per cent, of the land area with wildlife, forests and wetland resources the ministry mandated to protect forms strata for carbon sequestration to reduce carbon from the atmosphere as well as global warming, he said.

“The resources attract investment in carbon trading as an international initiative to mitigate the impact of climate change,” the minister explained.

“We must tap the opportunity for enhancing environmental protection, economic development and community livelihood,” stressed the minister, calling  on all institutions engaging in conservation to embrace the opportunity, provided they consult and adhere to national and international legal frameworks to achieve the intended outcomes.

Maj Gen Semfuko said the voluntary carbon offset project is part of the efforts TAWA has been making since its inception to diversify its revenue stream in a bid to enhance conservation and increase its contribution to the national coffers.

“We believe the carbon trading opportunity is a new venture to further unlock economic values in the conservation arena,” he said.

The TAWA Conservation Commissioner said the voluntary carbon project is aimed at avoiding unplanned deforestation and degradation or ecosystem conversion and at managing wildfire.

“The project is specific for carbon, but feasibility study will involve all types of carbons – forest, soil and water,” said Mr Nyanda, explaining that separate projects would be developed, pending establishment of potential of soil and water carbons.

Mr Coppee said the MoU culminated a lifetime dedication of Pasanisi’s family and himself to wildlife and nature conservation in Selous, which led them to create Wildlife Conservation Foundation of Tanzania.

“With the downfall of the hunting industry, we believe it is essential to continue protecting the Selous Game Reserve, which is today exposed to deforestation, poaching, uncontrolled fires, and loss in biodiversity,” he said.

He believes the voluntary carbon offset project is a unique opportunity for Tanzania to preserve its rich biodiversity, and acquire large financial and economic benefits from protecting the Selous.

The size and importance of the project would amplify Tanzania’s position as an African leader in nature and wildlife conservation, as well as in carbon dioxide absorption.

It will position Tanzania as a leading advocate for sustainability and climate change mitigation, enhancing its global reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking nation.

“By demonstrating its dedication to Paris Agreements on Climate Change, Tanzania will be a valuable partner in international climate negotiations, allowing it to actively contribute to shaping global climate policies and strategies,” the GreeCop CEO said.

The project’s responsiveness to the needs and concerns of local communities, who will participate in its design and implementation, is critical to its success.

The communities will directly benefit from the distribution of revenues generated by the sale of carbon credits, in line with the applicable Tanzanian laws, regulations and guidelines.

The project will also stimulate the local economy, by providing employment opportunities, funding educational and health initiatives, and developing the use of renewable energies as well as other social-economic programmes.