The European Commission (EC) has made a significant decision regarding Tanzania’s eligibility for a conservation grant under its NaturAfrica initiative. This decision has implications for conservation efforts in East Africa, particularly concerning the Eastern Rift Savannahs and Watersheds (ERiSaWa) component of the initiative.
EC’s Decision:
On June 5, 2024, the EC uploaded ‘CORRIGENDUM NO 4’ on its ‘EU Funding & Tenders Portal,’ announcing the removal of Tanzania from the list of countries eligible for its 18 million Euro conservation grant. This grant is aimed at the ERiSaWa component, focusing on two Key Landscapes for Conservation and Development (KLCDs) of high biodiversity importance.
KLCDs and Target Areas:
The KLCDs identified for this grant are the SOKNOT (Southern Kenya Northern Tanzania) ecosystem. However, the call for proposals will include activities only in Southern Kenya (Lot 1) and Northern Kenya ecosystem (Lot 2).
Reasons for Exclusion:
The decision to exclude Tanzania follows recent actions by the Tanzanian government, particularly harsh evictions targeting the Maasai people from their traditional lands in and around the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Reaction and Implications:
Organizations like the Maasai International Solidarity Alliance (MISA) and Survival International have welcomed the EC’s decision, seeing it as a response to the Tanzanian government’s actions. MISA has highlighted concerns about the negative impacts of conservation efforts on Maasai rights and livelihoods.
Impacts on Conservation Initiatives:
This decision by the EC is part of a broader trend where international organizations are scrutinizing conservation projects in Tanzania due to concerns over human rights violations and the displacement of indigenous communities.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What recent decision did the European Commission make regarding Tanzania’s eligibility for a conservation grant?
a) Increased the grant amount
b) Removed Tanzania from the list of eligible countries
c) Expanded the grant to include additional countries
d) Postponed the grant launch
Answer: b) Removed Tanzania from the list of eligible countries - What does ‘CORRIGENDUM NO 4’ refer to?
a) A document outlining the conservation strategy for East Africa
b) A call for proposals under the NaturAfrica initiative
c) An amendment uploaded on the EC’s portal regarding the conservation grant
d) A report on the ecological status of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Answer: c) An amendment uploaded on the EC’s portal regarding the conservation grant - Which ecosystems are targeted for the conservation grant mentioned in the article?
a) Serengeti National Park
b) SOKNOT ecosystem
c) Mount Kilimanjaro region
d) Lake Victoria Basin
Answer: b) SOKNOT ecosystem - What is the primary reason for Tanzania’s exclusion from the conservation grant?
a) Lack of interest from Tanzanian government
b) Concerns over environmental degradation in Tanzania
c) Harsh evictions targeting the Maasai people
d) Inadequate funding allocation for Tanzanian projects
Answer: c) Harsh evictions targeting the Maasai people - Which organizations have expressed support for the EC’s decision regarding Tanzania?
a) Tanzanian Government Alliance
b) European Conservation Coalition
c) Maasai International Solidarity Alliance (MISA) and Survival International
d) United Nations Development Program
Answer: c) Maasai International Solidarity Alliance (MISA) and Survival International