UDZUNGWA LANDSCAPE STRATEGY – ULS
Launched in 2023 with support from the Hempel Foundation, the Udzungwa Landscape Strategy (ULS) is a 20-year initiative designed to protect one of Tanzania’s most important biodiversity landscapes while improving local livelihoods and promoting community-led conservation. Developed through extensive consultation, the strategy integrates protected area conservation, sustainable development, participatory governance, and a centralized Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) system. In summary, the ULS provides a long-term, collaborative framework that connects biodiversity conservation with sustainable development and community empowerment across the Udzungwa landscape.
The Strategy is structured around four Strategic Objectives: strengthening protected areas, improving community livelihoods, enhancing collaboration and governance, and ensuring effective monitoring and learning. MACCO leads implementation of objectives focused on communities, governance, and MEL, while partner organisations coordinate protected area management.
Since implementation began in 2024, activities have focused on sustainable livelihoods, capacity building, and environmental awareness.
In 2025, with continued support from the Hempel Foundation and the Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation, interventions were expanded to additional villages. Key actions include the promotion of energy-efficient technologies, alternative charcoal production, agroforestry, and environmental education in both communities and schools.
Capacity-building programmes have strengthened Village Natural Resource Committees and local leaders, improving skills in forest governance, participatory planning, and resource management. Community engagement has also been enhanced through awareness campaigns and the mapping of culturally important sites.
The MEL system, led by the Udzungwa Ecological Monitoring Centre, supports evidence-based conservation through biodiversity monitoring, data integration, and the development of a digital dashboard. Ecological surveys, including primate and invertebrate monitoring, continue to inform adaptive management and highlight conservation priorities, such as the protection of endangered species like the kipunji monkey.