UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
East Usambara
General information
The East Usambara Biosphere Reserve (EUBR) is part of the Eastern Arc Mountain range and covers 90,000 hectares of the Tanga region. Established as a biosphere reserve in 2000, it falls under the jurisdiction of 3 districts’ authority (Korogwe, Muheza, Mkinga). There are roughly 270,000 people living in and around the East Usambara Biosphere Reserve, with their sources of livelihood stemming from small-scale farming and cattle breeding.
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
2000
Country
United Republic of Tanzania
Total population
155000
Area
Surface
90,478.00 ha
Total terresterial area
90,478.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: -4.98886 - Longitude: 38.6916
Ecological Characteristics
The Biosphere Reserve is one of 34 biodiversity hotspots in the world, and with its vast array of endemic plants and animals it is often compared to the Galapagos Islands. The site is home to both the sub-montane rainforest and lowland wooded grassland. These rainforests secure the water supply for the surrounding local community, the Tanga city population, and for industrial use.The biosphere reserve is divided into 3 land management zones, where each zone has its own specific management plan aligned with the MAB programme. The core area is the extensive biodiversity research and training site where 14 protected forest reserves can be found (Amani Nature Reserve, Nilo Nature Reserve, Amani Botanical Garden etc). It is characterized by high concentrations of flora and fauna, including many medicinal plants and 13 endangered bird species. The buffer zone features commercial forest plantations, patches of natural forest turned into village forest reserves by local communities, and some tree crops.Finally, the transition area is home to sisal and tea plantations whilst providing a living environment to over 80 villages. With two ecosystem types (mountains and coastal forests), the East Usambara Biosphere Reserve features a variety of vegetation from tropical evergreen forests (Cephalosphaera usambarensis,Allanblankia stuhlmanii) to tropical submontane rainforests, savanna woodland (Combretum spp.,Annona spp.), agroforestry, agroecosystems, grazing, and urban areas.
Socio-Economics Characteristics
Local people in the mountains rely on the forests for many of their daily needs, thus anthropogenically endangering the biodiversity found within the biosphere reserve. According to the National Forest Programme, between 1971 and 1999, forests were faced with deforestation at an estimated rate between 130,000 and 500,000 hectares per annum.Pressure is exerted on the existing natural resource base due to rapid population growth in and around the area. Environmental degradation in the biosphere reserve isalso the result of illegal wildlife hunting, overharvested forest resources, and encroachment. Furthermore, the occasional blockage of wildlife corridors can have devastating consequences like habitat fragmentation. Similarly, illegal mining, especially by artisanal miners, has become a more recent threat. Adverse impacts of climate change and climate variability must also be taken into account.As a strategy for poverty reduction and improved environmental management of natural resources for Sub Saharan Africa (SSA), a Community Based Natural Resources Management Programme (CBNRM) has been conceived. In line with this strategy, the Green Economy in Biosphere Reserve Project, under the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, is being implemented in Tanzania, Ghana and Nigeria since November 2013. In Tanzania, the youngest Biosphere Reserve,East Usambara(registered in 2000) has been targeted as a project site.The project in Tanzania focuses in the promotion of green businesses as alternatives for sustainable livelihoods of local populations in and surrounding the Biosphere Reserve. Five green businesses have been selected and skills development programme introduced to benefit the population in the project: mushroom farming, butterfly farming, spice farming/ spice tree nursery, fish farming, beekeeping, and alternative charcoal production.
