A Green Revolution for People, Planet, and Future Generations

Project Summary

“Roots of Change” is a transformative environmental and community-based project dedicated to reversing deforestation, restoring ecosystems, and reviving native biodiversity across Zanzibar. Through a dynamic blend of reforestation, ecological education, sustainable livelihoods, and community empowerment, this initiative aims to plant over 1 million indigenous trees, restore critical habitats, and build lasting climate resilience for both people and nature.

The Problem

Zanzibar, once rich in lush forests and diverse species, is facing severe ecological degradation due to deforestation, unsustainable agriculture, and climate change. Mangroves are vanishing, endemic species are declining, and soil fertility is being lost. The impact on local communities — who rely heavily on natural ecosystems for food, water, and income — is profound.

Our Vision

We envision a thriving Zanzibar where forests flourish, biodiversity thrives, and communities live in harmony with nature. By planting the literal and figurative “roots of change,” we aim to:

• Restore degraded forest lands and mangrove swamps.
• Reintroduce and protect native and endemic species.
• Empower local communities through eco-education and green jobs.
• Promote sustainable agriculture and climate-smart practices.

Project Objectives

Reforestation & Afforestation

• Plant 1,000,000+ native trees (e.g., Mkangazi, Mvule, Msonobari) across degraded lands by 2030.
• Rehabilitate 200 hectares of threatened mangrove ecosystems.
• Create 10 community-managed tree nurseries.

Biodiversity Conservation

• Reintroduce threatened species and protect key wildlife corridors.
• Establish biodiversity monitoring hubs in 5 key zones.
• Collaborate with scientists to document and conserve endemic flora and fauna.

Community Engagement & Education

• Launch the “Green Guardians” youth program in 50+ schools.
• Train 1,500+ locals in Eco-entrepreneurship, permaculture, and climate adaptation.
• Develop local Eco-tourism opportunities tied to conservation.

Sustainable Livelihoods

• Introduce agroforestry systems to increase food security.
• Rehabilitate 200 hectares of threatened mangrove ecosystems.
• Offer micro-grants and technical support to green startups.

Our Approach

This is not just a tree-planting campaign — it's a holistic movement. We combine traditional knowledge with modern conservation science, working hand-in-hand with farmers, elders, youth, and government bodies to build a sustainable future for Zanzibar’s land and people.

We focus on:

• Community ownership and participatory planning.
• Nature-based solutions to climate adaptation.
• Long-term ecological and social impact, not short-term fixes.

Impact Goals by 2030

• 1 million+ trees planted.
• 3,000+ jobs created or sustained.
• 100,000+ community members engaged.
• 25 endangered species populations stabilized or increased.
• 60% increase in canopy cover in targeted zones.

Project Timeline

Duration: 18 months

• Months 1–3: Planning, community mapping, and partnerships
• Months 4–9: Bootcamps, Resilience Hubs setup, and accelerator launch
• Months 10–15: Implementation of micro-projects, community actions, storytelling
• Months 16–18: Monitoring, evaluation, and scaling plan development.

Partners & Supporters Welcome!

Whether you're a donor, NGO, business, or individual with a green heart, Roots of Change offers meaningful ways to contribute — from sponsorships and volunteering to technical assistance and knowledge exchange.

Together, we can regenerate Zanzibar’s natural heritage and plant the seeds of a greener, more resilient future.