Udzungwa: a forest for all (2012–2017)
The objective of the project was to improve the living conditions and environmental awareness of the populations surrounding the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, guaranteeing a balance with environmental protection.
In the area adjacent to the Udzungwa Mountains National Park there is a close link between socio-economic development and environmental conservation, regarding the sustainable use of natural resources. The forest of the Udzungwa Mountains is in fact the “natural capital” of the Kilombero Valley due to rich biodiversity. Unfortunately, the survival of this intricate biodiversity has been threatened by unsustainable practices of communities. In this context, the objective of the project was to improve the living conditions and environmental awareness of the populations surrounding the Udzungwa Mountains National Park, guaranteeing a balance with environmental protection.
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Construction of a Visitor Information Centre in the Udzungwa National Park (2013-2018)
The Visitors’ Information Centre has been built to help tourists to get to know the Udzungwa Mountains National Park and the conservation problems of the area
The Udzungwa Mountains National Park is one of the main drivers of local development in the Kilombero Valley, so it was important to promote and strengthen it, encouraging the creation of the conditions necessary for the development of sustainable tourism in the area. In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, a Visitors’ Centre has been built, which helps tourists to get to know the Park and the conservation problems of the area better. The Visitors’ Centre was flanked by a local craft market for groups of entrepreneurs in the area as a tool for promotion and socio-economic growth.
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Efficient combustion technologies in Tanzania and Vietnam (2015–2017)
The project involved the exchange of experiences and technologies between Tanzania and Vietnam, with the identification of sustainable energy systems best suited to the two contexts.
In particular, in Vietnam, it was proposed to introduce new efficient and healthy combustion systems in some villages in the north of the country, spreading the knowledge of the dangers to human health related to traditional combustion methods; in Tanzania the aim was to strengthen and continue the campaign to promote and disseminate efficient energy technologies started in 2012. To achieve this, the project involved the construction and testing of low-cost self-built sensors based on open source technologies (Arduino) to measure the actual performance of different technologies used for home cooking. Measurements were accompanied by socio-economic interviews to get a deeper picture of the context. Three environmental engineering students from Trento were involved in the measurements in Tanzania and Vietnam.
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From Trentino to Tanzania in a clip (2015–2018)
The aim of the project was to transmit the principles of solidarity, cooperation, sustainability, non-violence, tolerance and respect, stimulating curiosity and acceptance of the diverse, interdependent cultural factors present in distant cultures and lifestyles.
This global citizenship education project took place in the 4 classes of the Udzungwa Mountains area in Tanzania and in 4 classes of the Val di Cembra school complex in Trentino. The vehicular language used was English. The students of the two countries came into contact exchanging short films shot in English, of which they were also the protagonists. In the films, the students talked about their daily lives and presented various environmental themes: agriculture, biodiversity, forests and their benefits, energy, tourist emergencies. The clips produced were then used as teaching tools in the classroom with the support of an operator and used as a starting point for in-depth studies on the various environmental issues covered.
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Solar Finance For All (2017-2020)
This project aims to improve access to and quality of solar and photovoltaic technologies in rural communities in the Malinyi and Kilombero districts of Tanzania by investing in innovative processes already successfully tested in the country.
The availability of good solar technologies in rural communities will be developed by the community itself, through informal savings and credit groups and the supply channels of local shops and technicians. The process includes the following steps:
– Awareness of the operation and benefits of photovoltaics compared to other energy sources (coal, kerosene, oil, etc.);
– Access to quality products from the capital Dar Es Salaam to rural realities;
– Installation and maintenance skills available directly on site;
– Easy access to financial resources for the purchase of products through the savings systems and informal and semi-formal credit already existing;
– Establishment of a revolving fund with Tanzanian associations and facilities, that will survive even at the end of the project.
Udzungwa: a forest for all – Consolidation Phase (2017–2021)
A community-based conservation project, implemented in 18 villages around Udzungwa Mountains National Park
The main objective of the project is to promote and implement nature conservation and environmental awareness while improving livelihood of people living in villages around the Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Specific objectives includes to introduce energetic alternatives to forest resources, with focus on reduction of the use of firewood and charcoal, development of tree nurseries, agroforestry plots, energy efficient stoves, teaching of environmental education subject in 14 primary and 4 secondary schools and implementing public environmental awareness events.