A catch of critically endangered Lake Jipe Tilapia (with Clarias gariepinus) caught from Lake Jipe River mouth in the preliminary assessment of the species breeding grounds in 2015

Lake Jipe, Tanzania is a biodiversity rich ecosystem with endemic and critically endangered Jipe Tilapia, Oreochromis jipe. Being species of commercial importance, Jipe Tilapia supported the livelihood of the surrounding communities in the past. Recently however, environmental threats, including habitat degradation, illegal fishing, poor land use practices and siltation are deteriorating the lake ecosystem leading to the endangered status and declines in the catch of Jipe Tilapia. The decline in the catch of Jipe Tilapia among other fish species in Lake Jipe has negatively affected the communities’ livelihood and ecosystem. Previous projects supported by Rufford focused on education and awareness program to the communities around the Lake and schools in the mountainous areas of the Lake. Following education and awareness programs, the rampant use of illegal fishing gears by fishers has declined and improved ecosystem is expected in the feature. However, more efforts are required to assist species recovery and improve Lake Jipe ecosystem health by involving distant and surrounding communities in the protection and restoration of degraded habitats. Toward conservation of the lake, it is clear that its ecosystem health is intrinsically linked to its watershed, and to changes made to the landscape. Therefore, the proposed project in selected villages aims to achieve the meaningful long-term improvements in lakes ecosystem and Jipe Tilapia by implementing research and innovation programs that will lead to:

i. Understanding the population status, breeding grounds of Jipe Tilapia and promote best conservation measures.

ii. Improved awareness on the sustainable use of forests and wetlands in the Pare mountainous areas that are currently under very high pressure.

iii. Improved protection of the‘buffer zone’ and river banks habitats and ultimately reduce Lake siltation.

iv. Reduced poverty and enhanced local community’s food security through support of the improved local community income generating activities that are environmentally friendly.

v. Increased on-farm vegetation cover and reduce soil erosion on the small-scale farms along the Lake and rivers through agro-forestry.