Usambara Biodiversity Conservation
The Usambara Mountains are one of the most biologically rich places on Earth, and one of the most fragile. As villages grow, families need wood for cooking, building, and a hundred everyday things. Without another option, that pressure falls on the protected forest, and the forest loses.
This project flips the equation. By planting trees in and around the villages bordering the Nature Reserve and the Jegestal water source, the community grows what it needs at home, so the rainforest can stay standing. Local women lead the tree nurseries. School children are part of every planting day. The people who depend on these mountains become the ones who protect them.
Not For Sale supports Usambara because the same logic underpins everything we do. Communities that can meet their own needs aren't vulnerable to exploitation. A forest restored alongside a livelihood is the strongest one of all.
Field updates
Posts from the planting team20 May 2026
As part of the Green School Program, school children joined hands with us to plant trees and promote environmental conservation within their schools and communities. 🌍💚 Through this initiative, young learners are gaining practical knowledge about the importance of protecting the environment, restoring nature, and creating a sustainable future. Every tree planted represents hope, responsibility, and a commitment to building greener communities for generations to come. 🌳✨ We are proud to empower children to become environmental ambassadors and future leaders in conservation. Together, we are nurturing both trees and the next gen
19 May 2026
Today, school children at Friends of Usambara Society proudly took part in tree planting activities through the 4H Million Trees Club, empowering the next generation to become champions of environmental conservation. 💚🌳 By planting trees, these young environmental stewards are helping to protect nature, fight climate change, conserve biodiversity, and create a healthier future for our communities. Every tree planted today is a step toward a greener and more sustainable tomorrow. 🌿 We believe that educating and involving children in environmental action builds lifelong responsibility and love for nature.
15 May 2026
At the Friends of Usambara Society Tree Nursery, women are leading the fight against climate change. Every day, dedicated women work tirelessly to nurture millions of seedlings that are now ready to be planted across our landscapes. These trees will help: 🌿 Restore degraded land 🌿 Protect biodiversity 🌿 Reduce carbon emissions 🌿 Improve water sources 🌿 Secure a greener future for generations to come By supporting women-led environmental action, we are not only planting trees — we are planting hope, resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. Together, let us take these seedlings from the nursery to the ground and make a real impact against global climate change.
14 May 2026
At our planting site in the Usambara Mountains, we are proud to plant Tabernaemontana usambarensis — a unique tree species found only in the Usambara region of Tanzania. 🇹🇿 Through our Large Landscape Restoration Program, we are working to restore degraded land, protect endemic species, and strengthen the natural beauty and ecological health of the Usambara Mountains for future generations. Every tree planted is a step toward climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods for local communities. 🌱
13 May 2026
🌱 Women Leading Restoration in the Usambara Mountains 🌍 Through the Friends of Usambara Large Landscape Restoration initiative, communities in the Usambara Mountains are planting millions of trees to restore degraded landscapes, protect water sources, and fight climate change. Women’s groups are playing a vital role — raising seedlings, planting trees, and inspiring communities to protect nature for future generations. Together, we are building greener mountains, stronger communities, and a more sustainable future. 💚
11 May 2026
Every tree planted is a step toward a greener, healthier future for the Usambara communities. Today, we celebrate the incredible role women play in environmental conservation — nurturing the land, protecting biodiversity, and inspiring sustainable change for future generations. 💚 Together, we are growing hope, one tree at a time. 🌳
10 May 2026
Today, our team visited one of our tree planting sites to witness the positive impact of our environmental conservation efforts. Every tree planted is a step toward restoring nature, protecting biodiversity, and creating a healthier future for our communities. We are proud to work together with local communities and partners who continue to support sustainable environmental action in the Usambara region. 💚 Planting trees is more than restoring landscapes — it is planting hope for future generations. Thank you to everyone supporting our mission!🌿
9 May 2026
We champion women as vital leaders in climate action and ecological restoration. Our projects support women with resources, training and spaces to grow their skills, protect their rights and lead community-driven change.
7 May 2026
By challenging dominant power structures, amplifying Indigenous and community voices, and centring gender equity in all we do, we aim to redefine ethical restoration and uplift women and marginalised communities both within our projects and wider society.
6 May 2026
Our work centres local knowledge, uplifts women, and respects the deep connection between people and the land.
3 May 2026
Our projects restore some of the country's most biodiverse regions by working directly with communities to lead the restoration of their lands. We build trust, collaborate closely, and prioritise community perspectives, self-determination, and agency.
14 Apr 2026
· Restore and protect forests · Capture carbon and combat the effects of climate change · Increase and support vital biodiversity · Create and improve livelihoods · Support gender inclusion and advance gender justice · Improve farming outcomes through agroforestry · Improve access to vital resources like food and medicine.
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