Our city, our nature, our future: The value of nature in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Tanzania is home to rich biodiversity and unique nature experiences. The country’s Eastern Arc Mountains and coastal forests qualify as one of the world’s 25 biodiversity hotspots. Despite rapid urbanisation, Dar es Salaam has many important natural assets which offer a wide range of benefits to the city and its people: a picturesque shoreline with beautiful beaches, rivers and estuaries, mangroves, forests and a variety of wildlife species.

With careful planning, these natural resources can be protected, restored, enhanced and even expanded to continue to provide benefits. These include fresh water, food, timber, jobs, cooling of the city, reduced air pollution, protection against natural disasters, opportunities for tourism, recreation and relaxation, and a sense of place.