Engaging women and youth to protect wetland biodiversity and improve livelihoods

The Dichwe wetland in the Makonde district, with its high biodiversity, also functions as a carbon sink, water source, fodder for livestock and wildlife, and serves as a green flag of life with cultural significance to the community. However, the wetland faces serious environmental threats due to the spread of invasive species, cultivation, overgrazing, overharvesting, deforestation, habitat destruction, and mining. These stressors are exacerbated by climate change and limit the resilience of communities. The project initiates nature-based solutions, farmer-managed restorations, and community formation and empowerment. Activities include the restoration of wetland landscapes, the improvement of social skills and social capital, financial management skills, wetland assessments (GIS) and the creation of biodiversity profiles. As a result, the protection of wetlands is to be improved.