WELCOME TO
Welcome!
Welcome to the Chakwetu Trust, a dedicated organization established to champion sustainable development and biodiversity conservation in Tanzania. As an independent, non-profit entity, we aim to be a long-term funding source for initiatives addressing climate change, environmental degradation, and community needs related to ecosystem pressures
Protecting Tanzania’s Natural Heritage
Tanzania stands as a beacon of biodiversity. It is one of the world’s twelve mega-diverse countries and host more than one third of Africa’s total plant species and 20% of its large mammal population. Our coastal forests and mangroves are key constituents of the Coastal Forest of Eastern Africa biodiversity hotspot. Our islands, from Pemba and Zanzibar down to historic Songa, and the associated marine ecosystems from the Kenyan to the Mozambique borders, are vital breeding and feeding grounds for important marine and coastal species. The Eastern Arc Mountains are central to the Afromontane regional center of endemisms. The vast grasslands of the Serengeti are world famous, as are our many National Parks and protected areas from Kilimanjaro down to the newly established Nyerere National Park.
A Catalyst for Tanzania’s Conservation and Sustainable Growth
Our mission is to mobilize lasting financial support to protect Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems, support sustainable resource management, and help communities thrive amid environmental challenges. By linking international resources with local conservation needs, Chakwetu Trust empowers sustainable projects that uphold Tanzania’s unique environmental and cultural heritage.
Today, Tanzania is experiencing a dynamic period of economic expansion, with major infrastructure projects shaping the future. However, these advancements bring essential responsibilities to balance growth with environmental stewardship. The need to offset industrial impacts on biodiversity and local livelihoods has never been more pressing..
Our Commitment to Global Standards
As a member of the Consortium of African Funds for the Environment (CAFÉ), Chakwetu Chakwetu Trust joins a worldwide network of over 100 conservation funds created since the 1990s, which collectively manage close to $2 billion in assets. These funds – including nearly 20 active across Africa – provide a reliable, long-term financial base for critical environmental initiatives around the globe. This association enables us to adopt international standards and best practices, benefiting from shared knowledge, proven strategies, and collective impact across borders. Our alignment with the Conservation Finance Alliance’s “Practice Standards” ensures that we maintain the highest levels of transparency, accountability, and efficacy in every project we support.
For Tanzania: that people live in harmony with the natural environment for the benefit of present and future generations, that economic development is sustainable, and that Tanzania’s unique biodiversity is safeguarded.
For Chakwetu: that we are seen by funders, public officials and the Tanzanian and global environmental community as accountable and efficient manager of the funding entrusted to us.
“…to serve as a catalyst for mobilizing long-term sustainable financing for the conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of natural resources, mitigation of and adaptation to climate change challenges and the relief of distress to the public due to pressure on critical ecosystems and landscapes in Tanzania or otherwise affecting the people of Tanzania”.
Strategic Objectives
The Trust is dedicated to supporting biodiversity conservation and climate resilience across Tanzania by funding initiatives that address environmental degradation caused by economic development, climate change, and population pressures. It provides long-term sustainable financing for activities that preserve biodiversity, mitigate industrial impacts, and promote sustainable natural resource management. The Trust works closely with communities, land managers, and the Government of Tanzania to implement nature-based solutions for climate adaptation and mitigation, while also supporting poverty reduction efforts that align with environmental goals. It raises public and policymaker awareness about the importance of biodiversity and protected areas, funds research to support its mission, and helps Tanzania meet its national, regional, and international commitments on biodiversity and climate. Through strategic fundraising and investment, the Trust ensures the continuity of its work and supports additional charitable activities that further its environmental and social objectives.
The survival of our wildlife is a matter of grave concern to all of us in Africa. These wild creatures amid the wild places they inhabit are not only important as a source of wonder and inspiration, but are an integral part of our natural resources and our future livelihood and well being.
Julius Nyerere
First President of Tanzania
