THE STORY AND VISION OF FOPHEC TANZANIA

 

THE STORY AND VISION OF FOPHEC TANZANIA

The Foundation for People's Health and Environmental Conservation Tanzania (FOPHEC Tanzania) emerged from the shared vision of a group of Tanzanian professionals committed to conservation and community development. Before its formal establishment, the founders, Benson Lisoso, Richard Nchasi, Paskali Hambati, Hawa Saadan, Elizaberty Masatu, and Josephine Katapa were already involved in various conservation efforts through their respective institutions. They recognized a recurring challenge in Tanzania: the communities living adjacent to protected areas were often marginalized and lacked meaningful participation in environmental conservation. This disconnect led not only to ecological degradation but also to missed opportunities for improving community livelihoods.

The founders observed that conservation education was severely lacking and that benefits from natural resources were unevenly distributed. This realization led to the initiation of the “Green School Project” at Jokate Mwegelo Secondary School in Kisarawe District in 2021. Supported by a modest grant of approximately €2000 from the Community Rural Development Bank (CRDB), the project successfully planted over 3,000 tree seedlings, covering 4 acres of previously barren land. The trees, maintained jointly by the school and the organization, had an impressive survival rate of over 96%.

A pivotal moment occurred around 2018–2019 when Benson Lisoso met Stefan Hay during a train journey on the Tanzania-Zambia railway line. This encounter led to a valuable mentorship that helped the team refine their vision, learn about proposal writing, and understand the realities of working with donors. After much groundwork and collaboration, FOPHEC Tanzania was officially registered on April 17, 2023, with its headquarters located in Kisarawe, Tanzania. Staffed primarily by volunteers with backgrounds in wildlife conservation, public health, and community development, the organization has since grown into a beacon of grassroots environmental activism.

At the heart of FOPHEC Tanzania lies a compelling vision: "A wealthy, healthy, and well-protected environment supporting a sustainable society and economy." Its mission is to "promote a system where humankind and nature can coexist in harmony," and its guiding slogan is "Environmental sustainability for healthier people."

FOPHEC Tanzania operates under clear and purposeful objectives. It seeks to enhance community capacity in environmental protection, promote alternatives to forest resource use, support ecotourism, introduce sustainable and energy-efficient technologies, and advocate for environmental health. These goals are achieved through targeted activities such as environmental education in schools, tree planting campaigns, promotion of agroforestry, development of tourism projects near national parks like Pugu and Kazimzumbwi forest resrve, and the Nyerere National park, and the establishment of income-generating initiatives.

One of the organization’s most successful initiatives was the agroforestry project in the Kisarawe District, which started in 2021. It involved the recruitment of local volunteers, the establishment of a nursery with over 3,000 seedlings, and strong collaboration with the Tanzania Forest Service for technical support. Trees such as Afzelia quanzensis, Albizia rebec, Khaya anthotheca, Milicia excelsa, and Cedrela odorata were planted between August 2021 and January 2022. The project engaged more than 1,100 students, instilling in them a strong sense of environmental stewardship. Each student was responsible for 2–3 trees, fostering ownership and accountability.

Despite its achievements, FOPHEC faced challenges, notably irregular weather patterns caused by climate anomalies like El Niño, and inconsistent student participation. These setbacks were addressed through proactive community engagement, including awareness campaigns and ongoing monitoring.

The support of Jokate Mwegelo Secondary School remains a cornerstone of the organization’s success. The school administration has pledged long-term commitment to the tree planting initiative, underscoring the project’s sustainability and community buy-in.

Looking ahead, FOPHEC Tanzania has laid out an ambitious and comprehensive plan for the next phase of its work, spanning from 2025 to 2027. Among the key goals are:

• Expanding tree planting to 280 acres across private farms, public spaces, and wildlife corridors, with a target of planting at least 200,000 seedlings.
• Providing regular environmental education in 10 schools.
• Establishing 10 environmental clubs in schools and local communities.
• Introducing creative community sensitization tools, such as cinema nights and village meetings, to deepen engagement.
• Launching income-generating ventures rooted in traditional cultural tourism, including traditional dances, a visitors' information center, and cultural Bomas.
• Supporting long-term sustainability through beekeeping, ecotourism, and other community-owned enterprises.

Support the Next Phase of Implementation

For anyone willing to contribute to the above-mentioned activities and help FOPHEC Tanzania scale its impact, contributions can be made through the following details:

Account Name: The Foundation for People's Health and Environmental Conservation, Tanzania
BankName:TheNationalBankofCommerce
AccountNumber:033172000145
SWIFTCode: NLCBTZTX
Country: Tanzania

Why Should You Donate?

FOPHEC Tanzania: Contextual Profile and Purpose

The Foundation for People’s Health and Environmental Conservation Tanzania (FOPHEC Tanzania) is a dynamic non-governmental organization founded in response to the growing environmental and social challenges facing rural and underserved communities across Tanzania. It was officially registered on April 17, 2023, under the NGO Act No. 24 of 2002.

FOPHEC’s head office is located at Pugu Kajiungeni, along Kisarawe Road at the foot of Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve in Kisarawe District, within the Pwani Region, bordering the outskirts of Ilala Municipal Council.

By supporting FOPHEC, you are not just donating to plant trees—you are investing in sustainable livelihoods, environmental health, education, and community resilience. Your contribution can make a long-lasting difference in the fight against deforestation, climate change, and rural poverty in Tanzania.