Sustainable mountain development in East Africa in a changing climate

to support sustainable land management as a basis for economic development, food security and sustainable livelihoods, while restoring the ecological integrity of the Kilimanjaro region’s ecosystems. In addition, UNDP implemented the “Community Management of Protected Area Conservation Project” which aimed to promote community-based biodiversity conservation in the Kilimanjaro region (OECD, 2003). Lessons Learned It is worth noting that if Mount Kilimanjaro lost its glaciers, the loss may not have a major impact on the hydrology of the mountain. It is also unlikely that the loss of glaciers would have a significant long- term impact on tourism. It is however, important to note that the ice-cores on Mount Kilimanjaro are a repository of paleo-climatic records, and valuable climatic records would be irreplaceably lost. Mount Kilimanjaro is a water tower of international importance, and therefore needs attention at both local and international levels. There is a need for more concerted efforts in the conservation of the mountain and the glaciers therein. Recommendations The following measures are recommended of the ecosystem integrity of Mount Kilimanjaro is to be maintained: • Constant monitoring and investment in weather and climate early warning systems; • Reforestation programmes that can possibly protect the mountain water catchment area; • Inclusion of issues relevant to mountains in national and international policy processes; and • Mainstream climate change adaptation at all levels, from sectoral strategies and programmes down to the grassroots level.

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Environmental concerns for the Mount Kilimanjaro region have also attracted international attention and a number of conservation projects are currently being implemented. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Foundation, for example, jointly provided USD 264,000 to the Tanzanian Government in

support of environmental conservation projects and the promotion of ecotourism on Mt. Kilimanjaro (OECD, 2003). Other projects and activities that have been implemented include the ‘Reducing Land Degradation on the Highlands of Kilimanjaro Region’ project which aimed

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