Our Work

1. Wildlife Conservation

Protect and restore natural habitats to ensure the survival of threatened and endangered species. The projects include:

a) Saving the Wild Pollinators from the Local Extinction:

Promoting the Conservation of Beneficial Insects and Bird Species in Mbeya Range Forest Reserve. Green Horizon Foundation (GHF) works to protect the Mbeya Range Forest Reserve (MRFR), home to a diverse array of wild pollinators, including solitary bees, butterflies, moths, and bird species. These pollinators are essential to the health and productivity of this unique forest ecosystem, as they are responsible for the pollination of a wide variety of plant species, thus helping to sustain local biodiversity. However, due to factors such as deforestation and agricultural activities, particularly the use of synthetic pesticides, many of these wild pollinators are at risk of local extinction.

To ensure the continued existence of wild pollinators in the MRFR, the GHF sensitizes communities on the conservation of the natural environment and the practices that threaten the existence of wild pollinators. Therefore, GHF raises public awareness and provides conservation education on the importance of conserving wild pollinators in the MRFR, particularly the solitary bees, butterflies, and bird species.

Wildlife Conservation
Wildlife Conservation

b) Protecting the Endangered Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey through Habitat Restoration and Conservation Education in Vundwe and Uzi Islands, Zanzibar

Green Horizon Foundation (GHF) works to protect the Zanzibar red colobus monkey (Piliocolobus kirkii), which is the species of red colobus monkey endemic to the Zanzibar archipelago, Tanzania. It is a flagship species playing an important role as one of the major attractions for tourists on the island. Unfortunately, the monkey is classified as an endangered species by the IUCN, and the population continues to decline mainly due to habitat loss caused by agricultural activities, extraction of building poles, commercial firewood collection, wildfire, and charcoal making. These activities have reduced the food sources and exposed the endangered monkey species to killings by farmers as retribution for crop damage. Through this project, GHF is restoring the damaged habitat through the replanting of indigenous plant species to increase and maintain the remaining subpopulation of P. kirkii. Also, the project initiates the participation of the local community in the management and conservation of the restored and remaining forest patches through citizen-based conservation education. This includes training community members on appropriate techniques (local and modern) to be used in the protection of the forests while promoting sustainable use of the natural resources without degrading them. Additionally, several signposts with conservation messages, rules, and regulations are installed in the forests of Vundwe and Uzi islands to remind the visitors.

b) Protecting the Endangered Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkey through Habitat Restoration and Conservation Education in Vundwe and Uzi Islands, Zanzibar

Green Horizon Foundation (GHF) works to protect the Zanzibar red colobus monkey (Piliocolobus kirkii), which is the species of red colobus monkey endemic to the Zanzibar archipelago, Tanzania. It is a flagship species playing an important role as one of the major attractions for tourists on the island. Unfortunately, the monkey is classified as an endangered species by the IUCN, and the population continues to decline mainly due to habitat loss caused by agricultural activities, extraction of building poles, commercial firewood collection, wildfire, and charcoal making. These activities have reduced the food sources and exposed the endangered monkey species to killings by farmers as retribution for crop damage. Through this project, GHF is restoring the damaged habitat through the replanting of indigenous plant species to increase and maintain the remaining subpopulation of P. kirkii. Also, the project initiates the participation of the local community in the management and conservation of the restored and remaining forest patches through citizen-based conservation education. This includes training community members on appropriate techniques (local and modern) to be used in the protection of the forests while promoting sustainable use of the natural resources without degrading them. Additionally, several signposts with conservation messages, rules, and regulations are installed in the forests of Vundwe and Uzi islands to remind the visitors.

Sustainable Agriculture

c) Promoting the Conservation of Critically Endangered Kanga Warty Frog Through Conservation Education to Communities Around Kanga Forest Reserve, Tanzania

The Kanga Warty Frog (Callulina kanga) is a small, critically endangered frog species endemic to the Kanga Forest Reserve in Morogoro, Tanzania. The frog is categorized by the IUCN as Critically Endangered due to its extremely limited range, possibly covering less than 10 km². The species is known only from this single location, where its primary forest habitat is under significant pressure from human activities driven by a rapidly growing population. The Kanga Warty Frog is arboreal, commonly found on branches above head height or occasionally within the bases of leaves. Given its dependence on forested habitats, conserving these areas from ongoing human disturbances is crucial for the species' survival. GHF works to promote conservation education and through public awareness of this endemic frog in the communities around Kanga Forest Reserve

Wildlife Conservation
Wildlife Conservation

d) Befriending the Critically Endangered Nguru Spiny Pygmy Chameleon (Rhampholeon acuminatus): Assessing the Abundance, Distribution, and Threats to its Conservation

The Rhampholeon acuminatus is a species of small chameleon inhabiting the tropical montane forest of the Nguru mountains in Morogoro, Tanzania (Tilbury, 2018). The species is categorized as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, making it a global priority for conservation (Tolley et al., 2014). The chameleon is endemic to Nguru mountains and inhabits the remaining patches of less than 28 km2 of this fragmented habitat (Tilbury, 2018). Although a portion of the forest is protected as a reserve, activities such as the cultivation of shade crops put a lot of challenge in the conservation of this species as they disturb the forest floor, which is the primary habitat for Rhampholeon acuminatus. Even though the forest receives protection from the government, ongoing human activities that pose less harm to other species cause further declines in the quality of this microhabitat and potentially drive the chameleon to extinction in the wild. In addition to that, the illegal harvesting of the Rhampholeon acuminatus for the pet trade also threatens its long-term survival in the forest, since the species is already in the Critically Endangered category, its removal from the wild could have negative effects on its population in the Nguru mountains.

GHF develops a species action plan by mobilizing stakeholders, including communities, forest and conservation officers, and herpetologists. The species action plan proposes and guides the conservation efforts that help keep the Rhampholeon acuminatus species from further declining to extinction. Also, we raise public awareness and provide conservation education to the communities around Nguru mountains. This helps the communities to know activities that threaten the survival of the chameleon in the forest and why it’s important to befriend and conserve this endemic species.

d) Befriending the Critically Endangered Nguru Spiny Pygmy Chameleon (Rhampholeon acuminatus): Assessing the Abundance, Distribution, and Threats to its Conservation

The Rhampholeon acuminatus is a species of small chameleon inhabiting the tropical montane forest of the Nguru mountains in Morogoro, Tanzania (Tilbury, 2018). The species is categorized as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, making it a global priority for conservation (Tolley et al., 2014). The chameleon is endemic to Nguru mountains and inhabits the remaining patches of less than 28 km2 of this fragmented habitat (Tilbury, 2018). Although a portion of the forest is protected as a reserve, activities such as the cultivation of shade crops put a lot of challenge in the conservation of this species as they disturb the forest floor, which is the primary habitat for Rhampholeon acuminatus. Even though the forest receives protection from the government, ongoing human activities that pose less harm to other species cause further declines in the quality of this microhabitat and potentially drive the chameleon to extinction in the wild. In addition to that, the illegal harvesting of the Rhampholeon acuminatus for the pet trade also threatens its long-term survival in the forest, since the species is already in the Critically Endangered category, its removal from the wild could have negative effects on its population in the Nguru mountains.

GHF develops a species action plan by mobilizing stakeholders, including communities, forest and conservation officers, and herpetologists. The species action plan proposes and guides the conservation efforts that help keep the Rhampholeon acuminatus species from further declining to extinction. Also, we raise public awareness and provide conservation education to the communities around Nguru mountains. This helps the communities to know activities that threaten the survival of the chameleon in the forest and why it’s important to befriend and conserve this endemic species.

Sustainable Agriculture

2. Climate Change Mitigation

Implement and support strategies to reduce carbon footprints, enhance climate resilience, and promote renewable energy solutions.

At Green Horizon Foundation (GHF), we actively contribute to climate change mitigation by implementing strategies that reduce carbon footprints and enhance climate resilience. One of our core initiatives is tree planting in the Mbeya region, where we work to restore degraded landscapes and sequester carbon. By engaging communities in afforestation and reforestation efforts, we not only combat climate change but also promote biodiversity and improve local ecosystems. We advocate for and support the adoption of renewable energy solutions, fostering a sustainable and resilient future for all.

Wildlife Conservation

3. Sustainable Agriculture

Promote and practice sustainable farming techniques that conserve resources, enhance soil health, and ensure food security.

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Sustainable Agriculture

4. Environmental Preservation

Conserve ecosystems and biodiversity through innovative restoration projects and sustainable resource management practices.

Restoration of Degraded Habitats of Mount Loleza Forest Reserve to Enhance Preservation of Ecosystem Services through Community Conservation Education Mount Loleza Forest Reserve (MLFR) is among the ecological potential areas with diverse flora and fauna offering ecosystem services to the local communities around. However, the MLFR is currently under threat due to the ongoing deforestation and agricultural activities. These two, plus other human-induced disturbances, have caused a near extinction of Blue swallow bird species (Hirundo atrocaerulea) and some plant species with medicinal values. GHF provides conservation education, training, and environmentally friendly income-generating activities to the local communities around to reduce over-dependence and pressure on the MLFR.

Environmental Preservation

5. Community Empowerment

Engage and empower local communities to participate actively in conservation initiatives, fostering sustainable livelihoods and shared stewardship of natural resources.

Wildlife Conservation

Green Horizon Foundation (GHF) is dedicated to empowering communities around the Mbeya Range Forest Reserve by providing sustainable alternatives that enhance livelihoods while protecting the environment. Our initiatives focus on offering beehives to local households, promoting beekeeping as an eco-friendly, income-generating activity. This approach not only supports economic growth but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for the conservation of the forest reserve. By integrating community well-being with environmental stewardship, we aim to create a sustainable and harmonious coexistence between people and nature.

Green Horizon Foundation (GHF) is dedicated to empowering communities around the Mbeya Range Forest Reserve by providing sustainable alternatives that enhance livelihoods while protecting the environment. Our initiatives focus on offering beehives to local households, promoting beekeeping as an eco-friendly, income-generating activity. This approach not only supports economic growth but also fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for the conservation of the forest reserve. By integrating community well-being with environmental stewardship, we aim to create a sustainable and harmonious coexistence between people and nature.

Sustainable Agriculture