Attachment J.3a Tanzania_NRM_Water_Portfolio_IEE_2013_2017_clean.pdf

Att. J.3a

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

USAID/TANZANIA NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND WATER PORTFOLIO

(EG)

April 2014

Table of Contents Page

PROGRAM/ACTIVITY DATA:

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION RECOMMENDED:

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

RECOMMENDED ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS:

1 Categorical Exclusion: Recommended

2 Negative Determination Threshold Decisions:

2.1 Land improvement and Watershed management:

2.2 Credit schemes and Business Development Services (BDS):

2.3 Water and Sanitation activities:

2.4 Public / private partnerships (PPP):

2.5 For any potential infrastructure activities:

2.6 Small scale construction:

2.7 Road rehabilitation:

2.8 Biosafety & GMOs and Pesticides:

2.9 General Project Implementation and Monitoring Requirements:

APPROVAL OF THE RECOMMENDED ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIONS

1. BACKGROUND AND PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1.1 Purpose and scope of this initial environmental examination (IEE)

1.2 Background

1.3 Results Framework for Tanzania Strategic Objective (SO) 13: Livelihood diversified and improved

2. COUNTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE INFORMATION

2.1 Country information

2.2 Environmental baseline information

2.3 SO 13 Geographic focusing (by the program objectives)

2.4 Environmental laws policies and procedures

2.4.1 Environment and Natural Resources

2.4.2 Water

3. EVALUATION OF PROJECT /PROGRAM ACTIVITIES WITH RESPECT TO

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

4 RECOMMENDED THRESHOLD DETERMINATIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

(INCLUDING MONITORING AND EVALUATION)

4.1 Recommended Threshold Decisions and Conditions

4.2 Activities Recommended for Categorical Exclusion from further environmental review

4.3 Activities Recommended for Negative Determination with Conditions

4.3.1 Watershed management and Land improvement:

4.3.2 Credit schemes and Business Development Services (BDS)

4.3.3 Water and Sanitation activities:

4.3.4 Public / private partnerships:

4.3.5 For any potential infrastructure (other than roads in PA and WMAs):

4.3.6 Small scale construction:

4.3.7 Road rehabilitation:

4.3.8 Biosafety and GMO and Pesticides

4.4 General Project Implementation and Monitoring Requirements

4.5 Monitoring, Compliance Assurance and Reporting

Annex 1. EMMP

Annex 2 -- Environmental Screening and Review Concept and Requirements (e.g., for sub-grants)…… 40 Annex 3. Water Quality Assurance Plan (WQAP) Compliance Template …………………………….. 41

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION

AND

REQUEST FOR CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION

USAID/TANZANIA NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND WATER PORTFOLIO

PROGRAM/ACTIVITY DATA:

Program/Activity Number: SOAG 621-013-xxxx ( # TBD when PAD approved)

Country/Region: Tanzania/East Africa

Activity Title: Natural Resource-Based Livelihoods Diversified and Improved

USG Foreign Assistance Framework

Functional objective 3: Investing in People Program area 3.1: Health

Program Element 3.1.8: Water Supply and Sanitation

Functional Objective 4: Economic Growth Program Area 4.8: Environment

Program Element 4.8.1: Natural Resources and Biodiversity Program Element 4.8.2: Clean productive Environment

Funding Begin: FY 2013 Funding End: FY 2017 LOP Amount: ($ 104.69 Million)

IEE Prepared By: Gabriel Batulaine, MEO, USAID/Tanzania

Current Date: April 1, 2014 (revised)

Expiration Date: September 30, 2018

IEE Amendment (Y/N): NO. This IEE supersedes the previous IEE:

http://gemini.info.usaid.gov/egat/envcomp/repository/pdf/1202.pdf http://gemini.info.usaid.gov/egat/envcomp/repository/pdf/1202.pdf

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION RECOMMENDED:

Categorical Exclusion: X Negative Determination: X

Positive Determination: Deferral:

ADDITIONAL ELEMENTS:

CONDITIONS X PVO/NGO: X EMMP/EMMR: X ESF/ERR:

X

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

USAID/Tanzania’s SO 13: “Natural Resource-Based Livelihood Diversified and Improved” aims to achieve the key goal of biodiversity conservation in targeted landscapes, while using economic and other livelihood incentives to encourage conservation behavior. This IEE provides basic Regulation 22 CFR 216 Threshold Determinations, to ensure that all activities that will be implemented under SO 13 are environmentally-sound. The IEE is associated with the SO 13 SOAG with the Government of Tanzania (GOT), which covers all Environment Natural Resources and Water (ENRW) activities expected to be implemented during the entire period of USAID/Tanzania’s 2013-2018 Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS). The activities will be implemented under the following sub-Intermediate Results (IRs):

Sub IR 1: Improved natural resource management at the landscape scale Sub IR 2: Increased benefits from environmentally friendly enterprises for women and youth:

Sub IR 3: Climate resilience measures adopted by communities increased Sub IR 4: Well-being of targeted beneficiaries improved Sub IR: 5 integrated natural resource management policy applied

Section 1 covers the background and program description; Section 2 provides an overview of the Country and Environmental Information; Section 3 provides an evaluation project activities with respect to of the potential environmental impacts, Section 4 provides recommendations of threshold environmental determination and mitigation measures for them; Section 5 describes environmental monitoring and compliance assurance responsibilities for USAID/Tanzania’s Natural Resources and Water portfolio.

RECOMMENDED ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATIONS:

1 Categorical Exclusion: Recommended

A Categorical Exclusion is recommended for all activities on policy-related studies, research, training, capacity building and similar activities to be implemented through a cooperative agreement, under all policy interventions to be carried out under Sub IR 5.1 as well as landscape scale interventions such as ecological monitoring, research, General management plan (GMP) development and similar interventions under Sub IR 1, Sub IR.2, Sub IR 3 and Sub IR 4, except to the extent that the activities directly affect the biophysical environment, pursuant to :

a) 22 CFR 216.2(c) (2) (i), for activities involving education, training, technical assistance or training programs;

b) 22 CFR 216.2(c) (2) ii) Controlled experimentation exclusively for the purpose of research and field evaluation which are confined to small areas and carefully monitored;

c) 22 CFR 216.2(c) (2) (iii), for activities involving analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings;

d) 22 CFR 216.2(c) (2) (v), for activities involving document and information transfers; and

e) 22 CFR 216.2(c) (2) (xiv), for activities involving studies, projects or programs intended to develop the capability of recipient countries and organizations to engage in development planning

2 Negative Determination Threshold Decisions:

2.1 Land improvement and Watershed management:

A Negative Determinations with Conditions is recommended, pursuant to 22 CFR 216.3(a)(2)(iii), for the entire range of CBNRM livelihood improvement activities under Sub IRs 1, 2,3 and 4 that are not covered by the above Categorical Exclusions.

Conditions: The SO 13 team and activity implementing partners shall ensure that improvements in land and integrated water resources management techniques do not cause destruction or degradation of natural habitat, including deforestation, desertification and drainage of wetlands; lead to loss of biodiversity; do not lead to the Introduction of exotic and non-native animals and plants; lead to erosion and loss of soil fertility, siltation of water bodies or reduction in water quality; or spread disease.

2.2 Credit schemes and Business Development Services (BDS):

A Negative Determination with Conditions is recommended, pursuant to 22 CFR 216.3(a)(2)(iii), Credit schemes –Development Credit Authority (DCA), loan funds, micro-finance institutions (MFIs), and micro-, small- and –medium enterprise support, Business Development Services (BDS).

Conditions: MSE credit and service providers are urged to institutionalize their own environmental reviews of credit and service projects and individual activities. MSE and environment guidelines can be used to improve the effectiveness, on a case-by-case basis, of reviewing and mitigating the adverse environmental impacts of MSEs, so there should be the inclusion of screening criteria in the loan provision process

2.3 Water and Sanitation activities:

A Negative Determinations with Conditions is recommended, pursuant to 22 CFR 216.3(a)(2)(iii) for water related activities

Conditions: To mitigate potential effects of inadequate drinking water quality, the Implementing partners shall prepare a Water Quality Assurance Plan (WQAP) that describes monitoring criteria, monitoring frequency, and measures for ensuring the safe provision of water to recipients. The Water Quality Assurance Plan shall describe how the partner intends to ensure safe drinking water and require the mandatory testing for arsenic. The new Water Quality Assurance Plan guidance document, currently under development by the USAID Bureau for Economic Growth, Education, and Environment (E3), should be considered during implementation. See Annex 3 for a sample template for WQAP Compliance, and for a sample WQAP, see http://www.usaidgems.org/Workshops/SouthSudan2013/3.%20Additional%20Resources/Gems%20sampl e%20WQAP.pdf. (Please consult the E3 BEO for the most recent version of this guidance document).

2.4 Public / private partnerships (PPP):

Pursuant to 22 CFR 216.3(a)(2)(iii) A Negative Determinations with Conditions is recommended for activities: Public / Private Partnerships.

Conditions: PPPs shall be subject to USAID due diligence processes. USAID credit enhancement assistance encourages financial institutions to make loans to SMEs that are engaged in environmentally friendly practices.

2.5 For any potential infrastructure activities:

Pursuant to 22 CFR 216.3 (a)(2)(iii) a Negative Determination with conditions is recommended for infrastructure activities. A key resource which should inform the SO and its implementing partners in their design and implementation of [these] activities are the USAID Sector Environmental Guidelines (SEGs) (http://www.usaidgems.org/sectorGuidelines.htm).

Conditions: The SO team should assure that implementing partners have access to these and other appropriate USAID environmental assessment resources. Such resources will help these partners to determine what potential impacts to guard against for different types of development activities in various settings.

2.6 Small scale construction:

Condition: The SO 13 team shall ensure rehabilitation of existing facilities and construction of facilities in which the total surface area disturbed is less than 10,000 square feet (1000 m2 ), the total cost is less than $200,000, the construction is not done in protected areas or other environmentally sensitive areas and that these activities shall be conducted following principles for environmentally sound design and construction, as provided in the Small Scale Construction chapter of the USAID SEGs:

http://www.usaidgems.org/Sectors/construction.htm.

For the construction of any facilities in which the total surface area disturbed exceeds 10,000 square feet(1,000 square meters), the program shall conduct a supplemental environmental review as set out by the AFR Environmental Review Form (ERF) (available at http://www.usaidgems.org/compliance.htm), according to guidance on the GEMS website Subsidiary Review page (http://www.usaidgems.org/subsidiary.htm). The ERF must specifically address the potential impacts identifies in the above analysis of this activity. Construction will not begin until such a review is completed and approved by the Mission Environmental Officer.

2.7 Road rehabilitation:

activities involving minor feeder rural road construction and rehabilitation of old roads involving a total http://www.usaidgems.org/Workshops/SouthSudan2013/3.%20Additional%20Resources/Gems%20sample%20WQAP.pdf http://www.usaidgems.org/Workshops/SouthSudan2013/3.%20Additional%20Resources/Gems%20sample%20WQAP.pdf http://www.usaidgems.org/Sectors/construction.htm http://www.usaidgems.org/compliance.htm http://www.usaidgems.org/subsidiary.htm of less than 10 km . Rehabilitation larger than this scale (or construction of new roads of any size) would require an amendment to the IEE.

Conditions: In the event that tertiary road rehabilitation in protected areas and WMAs shall be considered under this SO, all such work shall be conducted in a manner consistent with the good planning, design and implementation practices described in the Rural Roads SEG:(http://www.usaidgems.org/Sectors/roads.htm) Before support is provided for road rehabilitation in protected areas and WMAs, the SO Team will provide the BEO with the results of an evaluation demonstrating the effectiveness of the procedures and design standards proposed for use. If such an evaluation has not been conducted, then the SO Team will need to conduct one prior to support for such activities.

In addition, the formal AFR subproject/sub grant review process, as set out by the AFR Environmental Review Form (available at http://www.usaidgems.org/compliance.htm) must be completed and approved prior to construction or rehabilitation of each road project. The ERF must specifically address the potential impacts identified in the above analysis of this activity.

2.8 Biosafety & GMOs and Pesticides:

This IEE does not cover genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) or life-modified organisms (LMOs). Any support for laboratory- or field-based research, multiplication, or dissemination of GMOs or LMOs shall be subject to prior review under the Agency's Biosafety procedures. The IEE also does not cover use of pesticides, including their procurement, use, transport, storage or disposal. For any use of agricultural pesticides, such as for crop protection, post-harvest commodity protection or for treating livestock ecto-parasites, a Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan (PERSUAP) will be prepared, in accordance with AFR Bureau guidance and fulfilling all analytical elements required by 22CFR216.3(b), USAID's Pesticide Procedures.

2.9 General Project Implementation and Monitoring Requirements:

In addition, there are certain requirements that apply to all activities falling under the threshold determination of “Negative Determination with Conditions. These include: the IEE must incorporate into all contracts and grants language for use in solicitations and awards budget provisions will be made for environmental reviews, partners will complete annual environmental mitigation and Monitoring Report (EMMR), CORs/AORs and partners will jointly assess of the environmental impacts of ongoing activities, USAID/Tanzania will ensure that implementing partners have capacity to complete the environmental screening process, SO 13 will ensure adherence to GOT environmental laws and policies, and as required by ADS 204.3.4, the SO 13 team shall actively monitor ongoing activities for compliance with approved IEE recommendations, and modify or end activities that are not in compliance, monitoring and evaluation of the environmental effects. These conditions are explained in details under section 4.4 http://www.usaidgems.org/Sectors/roads.htm

APPROVAL OF THE RECOMMENDED ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIONS

IEE for USAID/TANZANIA NRM & WATER PORTFOLIO FY 2013-2018

INITIAL ENVIRONMENTAL EXAMINATION AND CATEGORICAL EXCLUSION

USAID/TANZANIA NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND WATER PORTFOLIO

1. BACKGROUND AND PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

1.1 Purpose and scope of this initial environmental examination (IEE)

This IEE consolidates the threshold determinations for current and new activities USAID/Tanzania intends to undertake using FY2013 – FY2017 resources to conserve biodiversity, to improve management of water resources and increase resilience to climate change. Activities will be carried out mainly under the Foreign Assistance Objective 4: Economic Growth, Program Areas 4.8, (Program Elements 4.8.1 and 4.8.2), and significant resources will be committed for activities under Objective 3: Investing in People, Program Area 3.1 (Program Element 3.1.8). This IEE replaces the previous SO 13 IEE Biodiversity Conserved in Targeted Landscape through a Livelihood-driven Approach.

(35Tanzania_SO13_NRM_IEE.doc).This IEE provides a basis for Threshold Determinations for new program activities not covered under the previous IEE including: resilience to climate change, land and water management , and conservation based enterprise.

The IEE does not cover use of Genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) and/or life-modified organisms (LMOs)3, or Use of pesticides handling of which would require the preparation of a Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan (PERSUAP, in accordance with AFR Bureau guidance and fulfilling all analytical elements required by 22CFR216.3(b), USAID's Pesticide Procedures.

1.2 Background

USAID/Tanzania’s Environment, Natural Resources and Water (ENRW) Strategic Objective, SO 13:

“Natural Resource-Based Livelihood Diversified and Improved” seeks to address the core goal of biodiversity conservation. However, in striving towards its achievement, the SO will increase focus on the well-being of rural populations by using economic and other livelihood incentives to promote environmental stewardship in general and landscape-scale conservation behavior in particular, among a diverse range of natural resource management practitioners and stakeholders in targeted landscapes.

By 2018, as a result of USAID investment in ENR, critical elements of Tanzania’s biological diversity will be better conserved and natural resources based livelihood diversified and improved. A broad range of stakeholders, from central government to local communities, will participate in both conservation and sustainable utilization efforts, and share equitably in benefits. Livelihoods will be enhanced through increased investment in emerging biodiversity-based economic opportunities. Along the coast, mariculture, fisheries, and tourism will prosper. Inland, new approaches to wildlife management will diversify and expand opportunities in the wildlife sector. Locally, thriving rural settlements will rely on abundant natural resources and biodiversity for their food and livelihoods. Nationally, the contribution of biodiversity to

Tanzania’s gross domestic product (GDP) will grow, along with incentives and resources to conserve Tanzania’s valuable natural resource base.

The Environmental Threats and Opportunities Assessment (ETOA compiling environmental information, including data on degradation) conducted by the Mission in 2012 to inform the Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS), identified degradation of elements of Tanzania’s natural resource and biodiversity assets as a critical problem jeopardizing Tanzania’s development potential. Degradation is being caused by a range of unsustainable use practices driven by factors such as: poverty; lack of appropriate NRM technologies; poor natural resource governance; and population growth. A number of trends underscore the nature of this problem;

• Conversion, loss, degradation, and fragmentation of natural habitats: Tanzania’s forests, valuable reservoirs of biodiversity and an important watershed resource critical for both human health and agriculture are being cleared at a rate of about 412,000 hectares per annum.

• Marine ecosystems are under severe stress, due to open access to coastal resources. Coral reefs at one to ten meter depths are generally degraded (overfishing, destructive fishing, sedimentation, nutrient loading and coral bleaching), particularly near urban areas. Mangrove vegetation has decreased (illegal cutting, expansion of rice growing, beach hotel development) slightly over the past ten years, eliminating valuable species habitat and causing beach erosion. Freshwater and marine fisheries are being exploited at high levels. Overharvesting of valuable species and by-catch in the near-shore areas.

• Conversion of open lands to agriculture in marginal, arid areas is undermining productivity of traditional pastoralist systems and the viability of wildlife dispersal areas and migratory corridors.

Deteriorating pasture and water resources are forcing pastoralists into less productive livelihood strategies which are incompatible with wildlife, undermining the integrity of Tanzania’s wildlife-rich landscapes.

• Elephants and rhinos poaching levels are the worst in records and ivory trafficking to China and Thailand has dramatically increased in recent years. It is estimated that in Tanzania 30 elephants are killed per day. As measure to address the significant effect of wildlife trafficking the USG issued an Executive Order of July 01, 2013.

• Finally, Tanzania’s growing population offers little respite to the mounting pressures, doubling over the past 25 years (from 23.3 million in 1988 to 44.9 million in 2012) and projected to reach

63.5 million by 2025.

Reconciliation of the requirements of natural resource conservation with opportunities for long-term economic growth and poverty alleviation is inevitable. Such balance also requires attention to natural resource governance issues as a means to integrate conservation and development agendas. This will lead to sustainable achievement of biodiversity conservation, improved livelihoods, and good governance.

1.3 Results Framework for Tanzania Strategic Objective (SO) 13: Livelihood diversified and improved

The Natural Resource Management portfolio is linked to the proposed Economic Growth DO (Inclusive and sustainable economic growth in rural areas) and Results Framework through two high-level indicators:

“Per Capita expenditures of rural households (as a proxy for income) increased”, and “Number of women assisted by USG programs designed to increase access to productive economic resources”.

In addition, the portfolio is also linked to the EG Intermediate Result IR2: “Livelihoods Diversified and Improved” through proposed indicators 2.1: “Number of people with increased economic benefits from Natural Resources”; indicator 2.2 “Number of conservation-based SMEs developed through USG support”, and; 2.3 “Number of hectares of biological significance showing improved biophysical conditions”.

SO 13 will build on the foundation and opportunities established during the previous program, increasing focus on the well-being of rural populations, while retaining biodiversity conservation as its core goal. The program rationale rests on the linkage between environment and economic growth and poverty alleviation, and the challenge of sustainable management of Tanzania’s biodiversity assets. Through a livelihood diversified and improved approach that emphasizes improved governance of natural resources, the SO will generate results relevant to both US Government (USG) and Government of Tanzania (GOT) priorities in areas of conservation, economic growth, and governance .

The Results Framework is as provided in the following Sub-Intermediate Results (Sub-IRs).

Sub IR 1: Improved natural resource management at the landscape scale

Illustrative activities:

• Conserve key species by developing and expanding anti-poaching strategies;

• Create incentives for sound natural resource management by building capacity of key institutions at all levels in targeted landscapes (e.g. Water Users Associations - WUAs, WMA AA, etc.) for participatory decision-making, strengthened legal enforcement, public accountability, revenue sharing approaches and advocacy;

• Build capacity of key institutions, organizations, associations and groups to understand and respond to projected impacts from climate variability and increased demand on natural resources;

• Strengthen data-based management capacity to register, monitor, and enforce water rights /water permitting;

• Provide technical support as needed to USAID/Tanzania FTF programs focused on irrigation expansion with respect to social and environmental sustainability and climate resilience of proposed programs;

• Support improved meteorological, hydrologic, and socioeconomic data collection, harmonization and management systems at the District and Basin level;

• Strengthen analytical and decision-support capacity of river basin organizations and government ministries, including creating flexible systems that allow organizations to adjust to changes in river flows and withdraws;

• Collaborate in analysis and policy advocacy to establish minimum environmental flow requirements in the Rufiji Basin, and continue efforts to institutionalize formal adoption of environmental flow requirements in the Wami-Ruvu River Basin.

Sub IR 2: Increased benefits from conservation-based enterprises for women and youth:

Illustrative activities:

• Strengthening of public-private sector partnerships for conservation-based investment and enterprise development in the targeted areas;

• Increase access to credit and financing for conservation-based enterprises and microenterprises;

• Capacity developed to increase and strengthen wildlife and water management cooperatives and associations;

• Promote alternative, environmentally sustainable livelihood opportunities to improve land and resource management practices to reduce threats to biodiversity / ecosystem services in high value upper watersheds, forests, corridors, wetlands, and deltas;

• Promote more sustainable use of forest and wetland resources by local communities;

• Promote involvement of WMA management in water/natural resource management planning (and implementation);

• Strengthen linkages to economic opportunities in the local tourism value chain.

Sub IR 3: Climate resilience measures adopted by communities increased

• Improve access to science and analysis for decision-making in weather prediction, hydrology, water management and allocation;

• Build the scientific, technological and information management base/capacity for science-based decision-making to minimize climate risks to agriculture and vulnerable coastal activities;

• Utilization of new technologies and techniques for improved decision-making among local government, social service delivery units and economic industries;

• Implement pilot initiatives to decrease local risks from climate change.

Sub IR 4: Well-being of targeted beneficiaries improved:

• Increase access to and availability of water for multiple-uses;

• Increase access and use of improved sanitation;

• Improve access to family planning and HIV/AIDS information and services;

• Scale up adoption of multiple-use services (MUS) models of water supply delivery, including both

‘domestic-plus’ and ‘irrigation-plus’ models;

• Provide Business Development Services (BDS) capacity to small-scale entrepreneurs providing goods and services in domestic or MUS water supply, basic sanitation, hygiene products, and small-scale irrigation technologies and services;

• Increase access to small-medium scale credit financing for entrepreneurs, service providers, and end users to finance WASH/irrigation service delivery.

Sub IR 5: Enhanced and integrated natural resource management and policy applied in target landscapes Illustrative activities:

• Support to governance structures including the National Environment Management Council, Wildlife

Division and Wildlife Management Area support unit in the Wildlife Division, TAWA, Authorized Associations and the Authorized Association Consortium for the WMA’s and CBO capacity development in newly established WMAs;

• Develop key anti-poaching policy and implementation approaches for the wildlife assets across multiple protected area classifications and for use by multiple management authorities within and outside the Ministry of Natural Resources;

• Support participatory decentralized management processes which give communities greater access and decision-making authority over land management and resources. The program will also help to reduce land use conflicts, through Land Use Planning, Resource Zone Plans, and General Management Plans, which will support the decisions taken by communities on resource utilization and conservation to ensure future protection and sustainability;

• Research and ecological monitoring to further support spatial planning and management, and provide evidence-based data for improved decision making for policy and legislative development;

• Promote enabling environment and policy to encourage private sector engagement and market emerging conservation enterprises such as beekeeping, coffee production, sustainable agriculture, tree nurseries; craft shell jewelry, and tourism, all of which have great potential for increasing local incomes.

• Working with Government and communities to strengthen anti-poaching efforts and resource monitoring to protect and conserve species and their habitats.

2. COUNTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE INFORMATION

2.1 Country information1

Tanzania is located between 1O and 12O south latitude and 30O and 40Oeast longitude. It lies within the tropical latitude; all its forests are tropical. Tanzania covers a land area of approximately 945,087 km2 comprised of land area of 883,749 km2, (881,289 km2 mainland and 2,460 km2 Zanzibar), plus 59,050 km2 of inland water bodies2 . It has a population of 44,928,923 people and the growth rate is 2.7%3. Of her population, 80% lives in rural areas and rely on natural resources for their livelihoods. However, the urban population in Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Morogoro, Mwanza, Arusha and Tanga, cities is growing at an average rate of 3.1% per year4.

Population growth, commercial expansion, and impacts from climate change, and poverty, are all threats to Tanzania’s biodiversity and the benefits associated with sustainable utilization of these and other natural resources. Furthermore, as these resources are the base of overall socio-economic development in the country, this dependence, aggravated by poverty, lack of appropriate utilization-technologies, and

1 Most of the information excerpted from the Tanzania Biodiversity Report (2009) and USAID Tanzania ETOA (2012) 2 United Republic of Tanzania (URT) (2006), the State of Environment Report 3 United Republic of Tanzania (2012), Population and Housing Census 4 ibid.

ineffective governance of natural resources, has resulted in a tendency towards irrational and inefficient utilization of resources. The inevitability of using the natural resource base to attain socio-economic development goals and the poverty of resource users combine to pose a formidable challenge to sustainable development.

The climate of Tanzania is variable. Annual average rainfall ranges from 200 to 2000 mm, with most of the country receiving less than 1000 mm on average. Rainfall is unimodal in the southern and western parts of the country and bimodal in the northern, eastern, and northern coastal areas. Arid grasslands and savanna ecosystems that receive less than about 400 to 600 mm of rainfall on average extend south from Tanzania’s border with Kenya. Semi-arid areas with 500 to 800 mm of precipitation occupy large central and southeastern zones. Plateau zones (800 to 1500 m in elevation) in western and southern Tanzania support miombo woodlands.

Tanzania is endowed with a diverse base of natural resources which its population relies upon for survival and livelihood. These resources include forests, agricultural lands, rangelands, wildlife, fisheries, minerals and aquatic resources. The Government of Tanzania has recognized the importance of its natural resource base and has set aside for protection a network of protected areas which covers some 25% of the Mainland comprising of 14 National Parks (4.1%), 32 Game Reserves (10.4%), and 38 Game Controlled Areas (9.6%), the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (1%) and some marine reserves. In addition, there are 815 Forest Reserves totaling 15 million ha (about 45% of the forested area), the total area of natural forests is

33.5 million ha. These are areas of high biodiversity values and represent unique habitat of Tanzania.

Biological diversity or “biodiversity” which is the variety and variability of living organisms at three level of organization: genes, species, and ecosystem or ecological processes making up terrestrial, marine and other aquatic life5; is one of the country’s greatest assets. The state of environment report6 shows that Tanzania possesses important populations of species that are globally endangered and threatened these include: Black rhinoceros, Wild dog, Chimpanzee, African elephant, Cheetah and Wattled Crane. In total, Tanzania harbours about 33 species of mammals, 30 species of birds, 19 species of fish and 46 species of invertebrates classified as globally threatened. Tanzania has also 293 species of reptiles in 104 genera and 21 families and most species have a wide distribution range. The number of bird species is 1065 of which 25 (2%) are endemic and mostly are forest-based species.

2.2 Environmental baseline information

Tanzania’s major ecosystems7 includes: terrestrial, fresh water and wetlands, marine, and agricultural.

The terrestrial ecosystem includes the natural forests which cover 33.5 million ha consisting of:

• The grassland savanna and woodland savanna and bushland plant communities distributed across about 25 million ha of northern and central Tanzania. Acacia-Commiphora woodlands and the associated herds of large mammals represent one of Africa’s most iconic ecosystems. These ecosystems are key features of World Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves at Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where ungulate migrations track cyclical wet and dry seasons.

5 USAID (2005).Tropical Forestry and Biodiversity (FAA 118 and 119) Analyses 6 op.cit., URT (2006).

7 ETOA (2012)

• Miombo woodlands which cover about 40% of Tanzania’s land area. Miombo woodlands are home to chimpanzees, in the Gombe Stream National Park in western Tanzania, and some of the largest known populations of African elephants and African wild dogs. The Selous Game Reserve is mainly of dry miombo woodland. The Selous and adjacent Kilombero Valley have, along with Moyowosi, Rukwa Valley, Itigi Thicket, been identified as areas of particular conservation interest for Tanzania’s miombo ecoregion.

• The coastal forests –natural vegetation of the Zanzibar-Inhambane Coastal Forest mosaic, that extends from Kenya to Mozambique, is comprised of both dry, scrub, Brachystegia, forest types as well as riverine, groundwater, and swamp types.

• The Montane forests which cover an areas of 2 million ha are located in the Eastern Arc Mountains, a chain of 13 separate blocks formed on crystalline bedrock that contain some of the highest densities of endemic plant and animal species in the world. The Eastern Arc Mountains forests contain at least 800 endemic vascular plant species. It is among the World’s top 25 biodiversity hotspots and conservation priority areas. Other montane forests occur on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, Meru, Livingstone and Rungwe mountains.

The freshwater and wetlands ecosystem of Tanzania include: rivers, freshwater lakes namely, Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Nyasa, Lake Rukwa and Lake Chala. Saline lakes, Natron, Manyara, and Eyasi, are found in the Rift Valley. The nine major river basins are: Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Rukwa, Internal drainage, Pangani, Wami Ruvu, Rufiji, Ruvuma and Southern coast. About 10% of the country’s land is covered by wetlands. The Kilombero Valley Floodplain wetland and Ramsar site covers an area of about 797,000 ha. The valley contains almost 75% of the world's population of the wetland dependent Puku antelope Kobus vardonii. This antelope is now only found in 18 locations in Africa and its survival, as a species, is dependent on the Kilombero Valley population. Three endemic birds are known:

the Kilombero weaver, Ploceus burnieri, and two undescribed species of Cisticola. In the wet season it is an essential spawning area for many kinds of fish in the Rufiji River system of which two endemic species Citharinus congicus and Alestes stuhlmanni are dependent on the Kilombero floodplain. The Kilombero Wetlands are an important source of livelihoods for the majority of dwellers in the area.

The coastal and marine ecosystems of Tanzania occupy an area of about 241,500 km2 (about 20% of Tanzania). The coastal and marine ecosystem has various species that makes this segment of the environment rich in biodiversity. Biodiversity found in this ecosystem include fish resources, coral reefs, sea turtles, marine mammals, sea grasses and plankton. Mangrove forests are found in all coastal districts of Tanzania. Nine species of mangroves are found in mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. The largest continuous mangrove forests are in the districts of Rufiji, Kilwa, Tanga-Muheza, and Mtwara. The Rufiji Delta supports the largest mangrove forest in East Africa; it has a total of 53,000 ha of mangrove forests, which is equal to 52% of mangrove forests in the country. Mangroves serve as feeding, breeding, and nursery grounds for a great variety of invertebrates and fish, many of which move out into the ocean during their adult stages.

Agriculture is the foundation of the Tanzanian economy. It accounts for about half of the national income (50% GDP), 75% of foreign earnings, three quarters of merchandise exports, is a source of food, and provides employment to about 80% of Tanzanians. Nearly 80% of the poor in Tanzania are in rural areas and depend on the sale of agricultural products for 75% of their household cash income Agriculture in Tanzania is dominated by smallholder farmers cultivating farms of less than three hectares, and is mainly rain-fed, not irrigated, agriculture. Maize is the country’s main subsistence crop and is grown by more than 50% of Tanzanian farmers and is found in all regions of the country. Rice is the second most important staple in Tanzania. Other major food crops include sorghum, millet, wheat, pulses, cassava, potatoes, bananas, plantains, sugar, groundnuts, sesame, coconuts, and soybeans. Tanzania has over 2.3 million ha of high potential land for irrigation, but only 289,245 ha are developed due to high investment costs.

2.3 SO 13 Geographic focusing (by the program objectives)

The program interventions aims at achieving IR 2 that is Natural resources –based livelihoods diversified and improved, it will contribute results and impacts to the USAID/Tanzania’s development objectives of inclusive and sustainable economic growth increased in rural areas (DO 1).

This IEE SO 13 is being prepared when formal determination on SO 13’s geographic focus is yet to be done. However, based on the Environmental Threats and Opportunities Assessment (ETOA) report, and the Country Development Cooperation Strategic (CDCS), it is likely that about 70% of the SO 13 programming will target the southern agricultural corridor of Tanzania (SAGCOT) area including Rufiji Water Basin, Coastal zone and Zanzibar and; it will continue investing in northern, western and southern landscapes with critically endangered ecosystems. These are: the Tarangire/Lake Manyara ecosystem in the northern Tanzania, the Gombe-Masito Ugalla ecosystem in western Tanzania and Ruaha ecosystem in southern Tanzania.

The Rufiji Basin8 covers an area of 177420 square kilometers (about 20% of Tanzania). The Rufiji Basin comprises of four major rivers namely: the Great Ruaha River, the Kilombero River, The Luwegu River, and the Rufiji (lower part of main river). Located in the Rufiji Basin are four National Parks ( Kitulo, Ruaha, Mikumi and Udzungwa), at least 6 game reserves, (Selous, Rungwa, Usangu, Mpanga/Kipengere, Lunda, Kilombero) and about 82 forest reserves covering an area of 23,200 km2. The basin includes the Rufiji Delta, the coast line and Mafia Island. The famous Kihansi Golden Toad globally found only in the Kihansi River falls Gorge is in the Rufiji Basin. The Rufiji river drains into the Indian Ocean at Mafia Channel.

Tanzania's coastline lies within an 800 km stretch along the Western Indian Ocean. This strip of land and water encompasses a diversity of ecosystems, including sandy beaches, rocky out crops, coral reefs, sea grass beds, islands and extensive mangrove stands. Tanzania coastal ecosystems are of great importance to the well-being of coastal communities. The coast also has great significance to the nation's economic development. For example, tourism, fishing, shipping, mariculture, salt mining, natural gas, and urban development are viewed by national government as important economic opportunities. Along this stretch there are five administrative regions which encompasses thirteen (13) coastal districts. This coastal area is home to about a quarter of the country's population. About eight million people, live in coastal regions, most of these live in coastal villages, with little access to infrastructure or services. They depend on coastal resources for food, security and very modest livelihoods.

The five coastal regions contribute about one third of the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). They are rich in natural resources and currently contribute more than a proportionate share of the nation's income.

The coast also contains resources that will be the engine for the nation's development. Coastal tourism, mariculture development, agriculture, and natural gas exploitation are just beginning. These resources are seen as potential activities for national economic development and the gradual improvement of the quality of life of coastal communities. The challenge is to maintain and improve the resource base on which the

8 Information based on Rufiji Basin Water Offices: Email info@rufijibasin.com , box, 1798, Iringa, Tanzania mailto:info@rufijibasin.com rural coastal economy depends, while developing new economic opportunities in ways that benefit the people of the coast and the nation as a whole.

Zanzibar consists of terrestrial and marine flora and fauna. Its floral vegetation is among the coastal forests of eastern Africa. Zanzibar has many marine parks ecosystems which are protected for their biodiversity.

These parks have abundant tropical fish species; sea grasses beds, coral reefs and mangrove forests. Menai Bay conservation area in the south west of Unguja, the main island of the Zanzibar Archipelogo covers almost 500 square kilometers. It is the largest conservation area in Zanzibar managed locally by community and government officials.

Tarangire National Park is the fourth largest park in Tanzania with one of the highest densities of elephants in the country. It is part of Tanzania's popular northern tourist circuit that includes Arusha, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Lake Manyara, and Serengeti National Parks as well as Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Lake Manyara National Park is located north of Tarangire National Park. The park is small and thus best considered as part of a larger ecosystem. The park contains a large soda lake, which provides crucial habitat for exceptional numbers of birds including Flamingos. The park also has large numbers of macro-fauna including elephant, buffalo, hippopotamus, giraffe, wildebeest, and zebra.

Gombe-Masito-Ugalla ecosystem includes Gombe National Park in the north, Masito and Ugalla forests in the south and the corridor that joins the two ecosystems. The ecosystem provides the habitat for between 600 and 1,000 chimpanzees, which is about 25 - 40% of Tanzania’s entire chimpanzee population. The Chimpanzees serves as a key umbrella or focal species for many other plants and primates such as the red colobus monkey, blue monkey, redtail monkey, vervet monkey, yellow and olive baboons and bushbabies found in this ecosystem.

The 40,000 square km Ugalla ecosystem comprises Ugalla Game Reserve (UGR), adjacent buffer zones and neighboring communities in Tabora, Sikonge, Mpanda and Urambo districts. It encompasses important forests and grasslands that serve as habitat for a diverse assembly of wildlife. Natural resources utilization activities, by residents as well as non-residents in the ecosystem include bee-keeping, seasonal fishing in the Ugalla river and licensed trophy hunting. UGR is one of the lesser-known game reserves of Tanzania.

Located in miombo woodlands, it is isolated and away from all major routes. Ugalla Game Reserve serves as a link in the long but disjointed span of protected areas in western Tanzania. Ugalla Game Reserve is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. One of Ugalla's most notable species is sable antelope. The Reserve is also home to leopard, lion, cheetah, elephant, crocodile, eland, buffalo, waterbuck, zebra, and reedbuck. The Reserve also contains valuable timber species.

2.4 Environmental laws policies and procedures

2.4.1 Environment and Natural Resources

Biologically, Tanzania is one of the wealthiest nations on earth. Its diverse terrestrial, marine, and freshwater landscapes provide habitat for an array of plant and animal species: it is home to the fifth largest number of species and the third largest elephant population in Africa. Tanzania boasts many internationally recognized biologically rich areas, including several World Heritage Sites, Man and Biosphere Reserves, and Ramsar Wetlands. It is a “megadiversity” country – one of a few nations that together account for a disproportionately large percentage of global biodiversity. Over 25% of Tanzania’s territory enjoys some level of protective status, including nearly 15% of which has been set aside for the express purpose of biodiversity conservation. The country’s well-protected, spectacular wildlife estate places it among Africa’s premiere tourism destinations, with the sector’s average annual growth currently at 20%, and its contribution to GDP was about 17.5% in 2012. Eighty-five percent of Tanzanians depend entirely on the management of natural resources for their livelihood. Natural resource-based activities such as agriculture, livestock-raising, forestry, fisheries, mining, and nature based tourism have promising futures as engines for Tanzania’s long-term economic growth, but only if Tanzania invests in these sectors in a sustainable fashion. The importance of biodiversity and wildlife9 to Tanzania’s development is understood at a fundamental level by Tanzanian policy makers and farmers alike. This recognition – from topmost levels of government (see Nyerere’s renowned 1961 Arusha Manifesto10), to an appreciation and awareness by the citizenry on their interdependence with Tanzania’s natural resources, has created a national pride by Tanzanians for their country’s natural resource endowment – at a level that has few peers in Africa.

Over the past twelve years the Government of Tanzania has embarked on a process of policy reform that had led to local communities having greater involvement and authority in the management of natural resources - including wildlife. The approach has significant lead to the modification of existing legal and structural relationships, requiring changes in laws and land use designations to accommodate greater local control. The Government recognizes that decentralization and devolution of governance and fiscal powers and responsibilities to lower levels of government and rural communities - would, on balance, be better for natural resources management and sustainable economic development. The Government recognizes that it has insufficient human and financial resources to manage resources that are becoming increasingly under threat from a growing population. The Government also understands that moving toward a new management process requires building capacity of local governments and communities in resource management and defining the roles and relationships of local organizations vis-à-vis central government.

Under the previous Country Strategic Plan for Tanzania USAID worked with the Government of Tanzania and other donors to support implementation of the Wildlife Policy (1998) and Environmental Policy (1997) by promoting policy development and capacity building at both central and decentralized levels for improved environmental management and sustainable development. The Policy objective was to foster the involvement of local communities in the management of wildlife through the establishment and functioning of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). WMAs represent a new category of land use that is supposed to be run and managed by communities with explicit objective of accruing benefits and improving livelihoods whilst enhancing conservation. The programme key target has been the development and implementation of 19 functioning WMAs and 20 at various stages of development in selected areas through direct intervention and in cooperation with other partners in the SO13 programme and GTZ, DANIDA and Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS). Recent evaluation of the WMAs has registered success and pointed areas for improvement. This programme is also supporting the preparation of monitoring indictors and monitoring plans for the implementation of WMAs and also, continued with sensitization of district officials on the WMAs.

9 The terms “wildlife” and “biodiversity” are used interchangeably in Tanzania. Wildlife is defined as follows: “Wildlife means those species of wild and indigenous animals and plants, and their constituent habitats and ecosystems, to be found in Tanzania…” (Wildlife Policy of Tanzania, 1998) 10 "The survival of our wildlife is a matter of grave concern to all of us in Africa. These wild creatures amid the wild places they inhabit are not only important as a source of wonder and inspiration but are an integral part of our natural resources and our future livelihood and well being."

"In accepting the trusteeship of our wildlife we solemnly declare that we will do everything in our power to make sure that our children's grand-children will be able to enjoy this rich and precious inheritance."

“The conservation of wildlife and wild places calls for specialist knowledge, trained manpower, and money, and we look to other nations to co-operate with us in this important task, the success or failure of which not only affects the continent of Africa but the rest of the world as well." (Mwalimu J. K. Nyerere, 1961)

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