Happiness Anold
This project aims to provide environmental education and sensitization to the Lake Rukwa riparian communities towards protection and conservation of vulnerable Rukwa tilapia (Oreochromis rukwaensis) and its habitat in Lake Rukwa, Tanzania. Lake Rukwa, is an important biodiversity hotspot, hosting numerous fish species of which some are endemic to the lake. The major fish species of commercial importance includes the vulnerable Oreocromis rukwaensis, introduced singida tilapia (Oreocromis esculentus), Redbreast tilapia (coptodon rendalii) and African sharp-tooth catfish (Clarias gariepienus). The lake is home to various birds, hippopotamus and crocodiles.
Oreochromis rukwaensis landed soon at Ilanga landing site. Lake Rukwa, Tanzania. @Julius Assam.
Like many other freshwater bodies, Lake Rukwa has the unfortunate handicap of being situated downstream of humans, thus receiving significant anthropogenic inputs. The lake riparian communities are increasingly occupying the catchment for agricultural and mining activities which later may increase siltation and pollutants to the lake and affect its aquatic life. Unfortunately, the area surrounding Lake Rukwa lacks waste treatment facilities, therefore untreated waste from domestic, agriculture and mining activities find their way to the lake through streams, rivers and runoff. The productive land and mining activities have attracted many people to move there, therefore increasing the riparian population which puts more pressure on aquatic resources. Due to high population, overfishing of Rukwa tilapia (Oreochromis rukwaensis) which is the main component of fisheries is evident and without conservation effort this endemic species is at risk of extinction. To date, little is known about conservation education and efforts in the area to protect and conserve lake Rukwa tilapia, which was declared to be vulnerable by IUCN (2006) due to its declining populations and degradation of its ecosystem. Therefore, this study aims to fill this gap by utilizing a community sensitization and mobilization for conservation of vulnerable Oreochromis rukwaensis and its ecosystem in Tanzania.
The project objectives are:
i. To assess the current social, economic, political and environmental threats facing Oreochromis rukwaensis and its ecosystem in lake Rukwa, Tanzania.
ii. To sensitize Lake Rukwa communities through environmental education, raise conservation awareness and mobilize social events towards community participation in the protection of Oreochromis rukwaensis and its ecosystem in Lake Rukwa, Tanzania.
iii. To improve the development of sustainable resource use practices through training and establishment of alternative and resilient economic activities for the sake of protecting Oreochromis rukwaensis and its ecosystem.