In August 2024, a team of volunteer experts embarked on a crucial mission to Lake Manyara Biosphere Reserve in Tanzania. This mission was part of UNESCO’s Earth Network, supported by the Government of Italy, which aimed to uncover how this unique landscape supports the livelihoods of local communities while addressing the challenges of climate change, habitat degradation, and human-wildlife conflicts. And to amplify the social and economic benefits of the biosphere reserve while fostering sustainability and collaboration between conservation efforts and local stakeholders.
The two-week mission was led by experts, Dr. Titus Luomba Ombori, an archaeologist and anthropologist from Tanzania, and Ms. Karima Oustadi, an economist and climate finance expert, from Italy. Together, they sought to explore and quantify the socio-economic benefits of the biosphere reserve, a treasure of biodiversity within the East African Great Rift Valley.
A jewel of nature and culture
Lake Manyara, nestled in the East African Great Rift Valley, is more than just a stunning landscape. Its alkaline waters are fed by underground springs and surrounded by diverse ecosystems, from groundwater forests to savannas. Towering trees like baobabs and pencil cacti flourish on the Rift Valley escarpment, while over 390 bird species make this area a paradise for birdwatchers. The biosphere reserve’s significance isn’t just ecological; it’s a lifeline for nearby communities, including the Maasai, Iraqw, Mbugwe, and Mnangati peoples.
Yet, the region faces growing pressures. Erratic rainfall, excessive water use, sedimentation, and invasive species threaten its delicate balance. Wildlife corridors linking Lake Manyara to other protected areas have been disrupted, intensifying human-wildlife conflicts and endangering biodiversity.
Listening to the voices of Manyara
During the mission, the team visited 13 villages around the biosphere reserve, engaging nearly 200 residents through interviews and discussions. These conversations, conducted in Kiswahili, revealed profound insights into the relationship between the people and their environment.
Women, in particular, shared their concerns and aspirations. In the village of Esilalei, they highlighted the collapse of traditional Maasai bomas – cultural hubs showcasing crafts and dances for tourists – due to the pandemic. Though crafting continued, opportunities to sell their products dwindled. This dialogue sparked ideas for reviving these ventures, such as identifying new funding sources and marketing channels.
The villagers also voiced the need for better protection against wildlife incursions. Suggestions included increasing ranger patrols and transforming disrupted wildlife corridors into eco-tourism attractions, which could provide alternative livelihoods while fostering coexistence with nature.
Quantifying the benefits
A comprehensive analysis revealed the tangible benefits the biosphere reserve provides to its communities. Improved access to water resources was a significant advantage for many, alongside better management of natural resources and reduced crop damage from wildlife. Educational initiatives, employment opportunities, and infrastructure improvements, such as roads and schools, were other frequently mentioned benefits.
Local residents also highlighted the biosphere reserve’s role in providing essential natural products, such as firewood and fishing opportunities, and its potential for recreation. These findings underline how the biosphere reserve serves as both a natural sanctuary and a vital resource for human well-being.
Charting a sustainable future
The mission concluded with actionable recommendations to strengthen the partnership between TANAPA, UNESCO, and local communities. Education emerged as a cornerstone for sustainable development, with respondents advocating for greater awareness of conservation practices and traditional business development. Equipping communities with the knowledge to engage in eco-tourism and conservation could empower them to better manage resources and share in the benefits of the biosphere reserve.
The Earth Network’s mission at Lake Manyara is a testament to the power of collaboration. By combining scientific expertise, local knowledge, and international support, the initiative seeks to create a sustainable future where both nature and humanity thrive. Through such efforts, Lake Manyara’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage can be preserved for generations to come.
