Today, the iconic ‘water tower’ that is Mount Kilimanjaro suffers from the combined pressures of climate disruption, deforestation and increasing water demand. The melting of its glaciers, which could disappear completely by 2040, combined with increasingly recurrent droughts, threaten the availability of water and the stability of ecosystems in Kenya and Tanzania.
To counter further effects, Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, announced a new initiative to protect water resources and biodiversity in the region. She announced during her meeting with the President of Tanzania. The initiative announced is part of the International Year of Glacier Preservation, led by UNESCO and the WMO. The first World Day for Glaciers will be held on 20 March.
The $8 million project will combine scientific research and support for local populations, to benefit the more than 2 million people who depend directly on the waters of Africa’s highest peak.
From the press release by UNESCO on March 7th, 2025, the initiative will be led by UNESCO in partnership with the FAO as the Global Environment Facility provides the finance. It will begin with increased support for scientific research: UNESCO experts will map the region’s aquifer systems, to give an additional 100,000 people direct access to drinking water. The aim will also be to improve groundwater storage and supply during the dry season to benefit 615,000 people who are currently exposed to water shortages.
A scientific observation center will be set up to monitor water quality, groundwater levels, and the health of ecosystems. It will be founded upon close cooperation between researchers in Kenya and Tanzania. An initial constitutive meeting was held this week in Arusha. UNESCO also plans to train a further 200 water professionals at the national and local level.
UNESCO will also support the restoration of ecosystems by reforesting 400 km² of cloud forests, which play an essential role in water retention as well as replenishing groundwater reserves. The Organisation will support local communities in developing sustainable economic activities to prevent further deforestation.
During her meeting with the President of Tanzania, the Director-General of UNESCO also reaffirmed the Organization’s willingness to support the country’s authorities in the management and development of Biosphere Reserves – a UNESCO programme aimed at restoring the balance in the relationship between human beings and their environment.
UNESCO will also continue to support Tanzania in safeguarding and promoting the Kiswahili language. National authorities plan to open a dedicated institute shortly. UNESCO stands ready to contribute its expertise when the time comes by training professionals, networking with other language centres around the world and developing content linked to the General History of Africa.
