Mt. Kilimanjaro Forests

An aerial survey to determine threats to Mt. Kilimanjaro forests was undertaken in 2001. The main objective was to provide factual documentation on the extent and nature of adverse human impact.  The report triggered a number of important responses to conserve the forests and helped key stakeholders in designing future interventions.

Partners

UNDP, UNEP, Kenya Wildlife Service, University of Bayreuth and the Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania.

Terrain

Mt. Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain.  It is located in Tanzania some 300 kilometres south of the Equator. A forest belt covers a major part of the mountain which has a rich diversity of ecosystems, particularly of

vegetation types that result mainly from a large range in altitude and rainfall. In addition, it comprises a very large number of plant species (around 2,500) and animal species. Mt. Kilimanjaro is also a critical water catchment for both Tanzania and Kenya. High rainfall and extensive forests give Mt. Kilimanjaro its high catchment value. About 96 per cent of the water flowing from Mt. Kilimanjaro originates from the forest belt.