Tanzania has struck a groundbreaking deal for one of East Africa’s largest land-based carbon credit projects.
Spanning a staggering 1.8 million hectares across six national parks, the project positions Tanzania as a leader in the global carbon credit market.
Funding for Conservation and Local Communities
This initiative, a collaboration between Tanzania National Parks (Tanapa) and local company Carbon Tanzania, aims to protect and conserve vital ecosystems and wildlife resources within these designated national parks.
Some of the revenue generated from carbon credit sales will directly support Tanapa and local communities, fostering sustainable development alongside environmental protection.
Carbon credits act as a financial mechanism to combat climate change.
Organizations emitting pollutants can purchase these credits, which represent a tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) captured or prevented from being released. This financial incentive promotes carbon-lowering initiatives, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions over time.
Project Details and Partners
The six national parks included in the project are Burigi-Chato, Katavi Plains, Ugalla River, Mkomazi, Gombe Stream, and Mahale Mountains. Additionally, Mohammed Enterprises Tanzania Limited, owned by prominent Tanzanian businessman Mohammed Dewji, has committed to providing further support.
Tanzania previously entered a preliminary agreement with Blue Carbon, a UAE company, for an even larger carbon credit project encompassing 8.1 million hectares, nearly 8% of the country’s land mass. This highlights Tanzania’s growing role in the global carbon credit market.
Concerns Regarding Land Control and Neocolonialism
The recent surge in carbon offsetting companies acquiring vast areas of land in sub-Saharan Africa for carbon credit projects has sparked concerns about potential neocolonialism. Blue Carbon, in particular, has faced criticism from environmentalists regarding its practices.
Blue Carbon maintains that its projects operate under strict regulations and benefit local communities. The company emphasizes that countries collaborate with them voluntarily. Furthermore, Blue Carbon has signed similar agreements with other African nations, including Liberia, Kenya, Zambia, and Angola. If finalized, these proposals could grant Blue Carbon control of vast areas of land in these countries for carbon credit production.