Conservation and Restoration
The Canopy Project Tanzania
Project Summary
The Canopy Project – The Longest Lake
The Canopy Project will be planting species of mangrove trees along the North Bank of the River Gambia. This area is home to over 220,000 people who rely heavily on agriculture as a means of employment. Due to increasing temperatures, encroachment of the desert, and more frequent droughts this is becoming more and more difficult.
Region
Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania
Spanning four countries and reaching depths of 4,800 feet. Lake Tanganyika in east Africa is one of the world’s largest and oldest freshwater ecosystems.
Since the mid-1900’s the area surrounding Lake Tanganyika has seen large growth in the human population, posing potential threats to the ancient ecosystem. Forests near Lake Tanganyika are being cleared for farming at rapid rates to support the rapidly growing population.
Tanzania, which compromises most of the eastern coast of the lake, has grown by 17 million people in the decade leading up to 2021.
Tree Planting
EDO and its local partners have planted roughly 50,000 trees around Lake Tanganyika each year since 2021. 11 different species are being planted, chosen by our local experts that best know the region.
Some of these species like lemon, cashew nut, and avocado provide both food and additional revenue with the safe harvesting of these crops.
Project Contributions
Support The Canopy Project
Reforestation is one of the most important and accessible ways that people can contribute to solving the challenges of climate change.
