In Tanzania’s northern Rorya district, students like 15-year-old Florence Sadiki are at the forefront of a reforestation movement aimed at reversing environmental degradation. At Gabimori Primary School, Sadiki and her peers tend to tree seedlings they’ve grown from scratch, part of a community effort to combat climate change and restore local ecosystems. “We’ve planted many trees to make our school look better and to help fight climate change,” Sadiki explains.
Supported by the Lake Community Program (LACOP) and international partners, students, teachers, and community members in Rorya are addressing the impacts of deforestation, worsened by charcoal production. With guidance from the Lake Community Development Foundation (LACODEFO) and World Neighbors, these young environmentalists are trained in the entire tree-growing process, from choosing resilient species to sustainable watering methods like bottle irrigation. Over the past two years, they’ve successfully planted 2,800 trees across five villages, with signs of restored water springs.
However, challenges persist. Erratic rainfall and drought make tree maintenance difficult, and local livestock often graze on young saplings. To mitigate these issues, the initiative uses drought-resistant species and organic soil methods while urging household participation in conservation efforts.
Tanzania, which faces intensifying climate impacts despite low emissions, has committed to reducing greenhouse gases by 30-35% by 2030. This student-led project aligns with national goals to build resilient agriculture and water systems, highlighting a broader need for global support and sustainable funding.
“We have a duty to protect our environment,” says Sadiki, seeing these efforts as a lifelong mission. As the reforestation initiative grows, it fosters a new generation of Tanzanians dedicated to environmental stewardship, proving that local actions can have lasting impacts on climate resilience.
