Where
Conservation
Meets Community
SCIENCE, CONSERVATION, COMMUNITIES
We protect the biodiversity of the Udzungwa landscape together with local communities,
fostering a future where people and nature thrive for generations to come.
🔬 Science that guides conservation
Biodiversity monitoring, ecological research, human-wildlife conflict studies and landscape analysis provide the evidence needed to guide effective conservation
🌿Conservation that works for people
A long-term integrated approach to protecting one of Africa's most biodiverse mountain ecosystems with local and international partners.
👨👩👧👦Communities active for nature
Environmental education, agroforestry, sustainable energy, livelihoods and community engagement help people become active partners in protecting the landscape
People and nature: one interconnected system
Mazingira Alliance for Community and Conservation (MACCO) is a Tanzanian conservation NGO dedicated to safeguarding ecosystems while empowering local communities. Rooted in the meaning of “Mazingira” — the Swahili word for environment — our work combines science, education, and practical solutions to strengthen both nature and livelihoods. We focus on biodiversity monitoring, environmental education, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, and community engagement to create lasting impact and promote resilient livelihoods and thriving landscapes.
Our primary area of intervention is the Udzungwa Mountains, part of the globally significant Eastern Arc Mountains — one of the world’s leading biodiversity hotspots.
- 📍 Udzungwa Mountains
- 🏛️ Est. Tanzania
- 🤝 TANAPA Partner
- 🌍 UEMC Facility
2025 at a glance
- 26 villages engaged
- 33 schools and 28 environmental clubs involved
- 4,617 stoves constructed and 99 stove makers trained
- 1 alternative charcoal factory costructed
- 138,975 seedlings produced
- 140 agroforestry farms established
- 10,487 km for primate census
- 44,205 camera trap images collected
- 7 scientific publications
- 2,848 arthropod trapping days
- 386 visitors of which 298 Tanzanian researchers
- 303 trainings delivered
ABOUT US
We envision a wealthy, healthy and well protected environment supporting a sustainable society and economy.
The organization’s mission is to foster harmonious coexistence between people and nature.
2006 — UEMC is established
MUSE establishes the Udzungwa Ecological Monitoring Centre (UEMC) in partnership with TANAPA, building on a long-term research initiative started in the Udzungwa Mountains in the 1990s.
2010 — Research & community action expand
UEMC develops as a hub for research, education and conservation, while Associazione Mazingira ODV (AMODV) is founded in Italy to support community-based conservation, livelihoods, eco-tourism and agroforestry.
2010–2018 — Building partnerships & programmes
UEMC expands its facilities with the contruction of the hostel. International collaborations, including research programmes, summer schools, eco-tourism and long-term biodiversity monitoring initiate. Community initiatives grow across the Kilombero Valley.
2019 — A Tanzanian organization is established
Associazione Mazingira NGO (AMNGO) is registered in Tanzania, strengthening the local implementation of conservation, research and community development programmes.
2022 — UEMC becomes part of the organisation
UEMC is formally incorporated into the organisation, bringing research, monitoring, education and community-based conservation closer together.
2024 — Udzungwa Landscape Strategy begins
AMNGO is assigned to implement activities under the Udzungwa Landscape Strategy (ULS), strengthening integrated action across protected areas and surrounding communities.
2025 — MACCO is born
AMNGO is officially renamed Mazingira Alliance for Community and Conservation (MACCO), marking a new phase as an integrated organisation working for long-term conservation, research and sustainable development across the Udzungwa–Kilombero landscape.
We believe conservation must be:
- Community-driven
- Science-based
- Inclusive and participatory
- Focused on real local benefits
- Proactive in reducing human–wildlife conflict
MACCO’s strength comes from its dedicated and diverse team, working together to protect nature and support resilient communities.
Our core team includes 28 staff members, supported by volunteers, interns, and short-term workers. Depending on our activities, our wider team can exceed 50 people.
Our work is organized around four key areas:
Human Resources & Administration
We support the organization’s people and day-to-day operations, helping ensure effective leadership, coordination, and a positive working environment.
Finance
Our Finance team promotes sound financial management, transparency, and accountability across all MACCO activities.
Research & Monitoring
Our scientists and field teams generate knowledge through biodiversity research, ecological monitoring, and training. We also provide opportunities for students and conservation professionals to gain practical field experience.
Community & Livelihoods
We work closely with local communities to develop practical solutions that benefit both people and nature. Our activities include environmental education, agroforestry, ecotourism, and energy-efficient technologies, as well as initiatives that strengthen local livelihoods.
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We believe that strong conservation starts with strong people. MACCO invests in continuous learning, professional development, and knowledge sharing, while promoting an inclusive and respectful workplace based on equity, collaboration, and mutual support.
With a growing team and strengthened technical capacity, MACCO is ready to expand its impact and address emerging conservation and community development challenges.
- Integrity
- Transparency
- Equity
- Collaboration
- Inclusivity
- Accountability
- Long-term sustainability
- Capacity building and empowerment
- Innovation
Partners & Donors
We collaborate with international institutions, research organizations, NGOs, and local authorities to deliver impactful conservation and development programs.
Donors
Implementing partners
