Tanzania, Malawi and Mozambique have launched a joint initiative aimed at protecting ecosystems within the Ruvuma River Basin.
The environmental project will run for 60 months (2025–2030) and is funded with about $7.12 million (approximately Sh18.2 billion) from the Global Environment Facility.
Key Goals of the Project
The programme focuses on safeguarding the basin’s natural resources while improving the livelihoods of communities that depend on it. Major objectives include:
Protecting biodiversity and ecosystems within the basin
Promoting sustainable land and water management practices
Reducing environmental degradation caused by human activity
Encouraging cross-border cooperation among the three countries
Why the Ruvuma Basin Matters
The Ruvuma River Basin is a vital transboundary ecosystem shared by Tanzania and Mozambique, with hydrological connections to Malawi. It supports:
Agriculture and fishing communities
Wildlife habitats and forest ecosystems
Water supply for thousands of people
Regional biodiversity conservation efforts
Environmental experts warn that deforestation, unsustainable farming and climate change threaten the basin’s ecological balance, making coordinated regional action necessary.
Regional Cooperation
The project highlights growing collaboration between the three countries to address environmental challenges that cross national borders.
Officials say stronger cooperation in managing shared ecosystems can help protect natural resources while ensuring sustainable economic activities for local communities across the region.
