The EU is the latest group to cut its funding to Tanzania’s climate conservation efforts. It joins the World Bank who partially stopped its funding due human rights violation claims.
On June 5, the commission canceled the country’s qualification for an initial €18.4 million ($19.76 million) award to be divided with Kenya as part of a new East African biodiversity protection effort.
The allegations are tied to the current eviction of the Maasai group from Tanzania’s Ngorongoro and Loliondo areas. Meanwhile the country’s authorities argue that the action might improve tourist activities in the regions.
Therefore, Kenya stands as the lone beneficiary, bagging the funding and boosting its efforts to stop climate change.
The World Bank’s donation was also significant, amounting to $150 million. It was planned to fund a conservation and tourism development mega-project in southern Tanzania. However, the bank might review the proposal after its investigation, which is to be completed this month (June 2024). This funding will be handy for the Ruaha National Park development, helping boost the natural resource that comes with wildlife and tourism.
Matters are however tricky, with Tanzania laws stating that all land is publicly owned, and not community amcan claim ownership. Nonetheless, the EU commission and World Bank wants the issue handled in a humanistic approach.
Involved parties should adhere and safeguard human rights, especially for the indigenous tribes occupying the respective areas. This way, the authorities will get fresh and approved grants to help conserve its natural resources.
Add a Comment