Government Launches Tree Planting Campaign to Preserve Kilimanjaro's Disappearing Snow

In response to the rapidly disappearing snow on Mount Kilimanjaro, the Tanzanian government, in collaboration with various stakeholders, has launched a special campaign to plant over one billion trees across northern regions. Additionally, around eight million trees will be planted specifically in the Kilimanjaro region as part of a short-term strategy to combat the effects of climate change on the mountain's snow cover.

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dunstan Kitandula, announced the initiative while addressing Parliament in Dodoma. He was responding to a query from Moshi Rural MP, Professor Patrick Ndakidemi, regarding the government's immediate plans to address the snow loss on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Deputy Minister Kitandula explained that the reduction in snow is primarily due to global warming, driven by human activities such as deforestation, agriculture, and burning in the surrounding areas. Other contributing factors include reduced rainfall, periods of drought, and dry winds from the Indian Ocean.

In addition to the tree planting efforts, the government is also focused on raising public awareness about the importance of tree planting and environmental conservation. This will be done through radio and television programs, festivals, and various commemorations. The government is also working with regional and international organizations to mitigate and adapt to climate change, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and restoring the ecology around Mount Kilimanjaro.