#The TerraBlue Program is a comprehensive initiative addressing climate change, marine conservation, and terrestrial ecosystem preservation. Aligned with SDGs 13, 14, and 15, it aims to mitigate environmental degradation by promoting sustainable practices and fostering community resilience. The program empowers youth and community leaders through education, partnerships, and actionable projects that protect marine life, reduce emissions, and conserve land. TerraBlue ensures long-term impact by integrating community ownership and global collaboration, driving meaningful progress in climate action and biodiversity preservation.

Problem:

The TerraBlue Program addresses the critical issues of climate change, ocean pollution, and ecosystem degradation, which threaten both biodiversity and human livelihoods. According to the IPCC, global temperatures have risen by 1.1°C since the pre-industrial era, intensifying extreme weather events and contributing to sea-level rise. The World Bank reports that 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans annually, endangering marine life and ecosystems. Additionally, the IUCN estimates that 1 million species are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss and unsustainable practices. TerraBlue seeks to tackle these urgent challenges through sustainable initiatives and community resilience-building.

Intervention:

Our approach prioritizes long-term impact by integrating environmental stewardship into local cultures and fostering community ownership. We build capacity by equipping local leaders and educators with essential tools and knowledge for sustaining climate action. Our interventions are scalable and adaptable, effective in diverse contexts.

We start with thorough research and stakeholder engagement, using a Human-Centered Design (HCD) approach to develop strategies. We produce engaging edutainment content, such as 3D animations and radio stories, to raise awareness and drive climate action. This content, distributed via traditional and digital platforms, is supported by strategic partnerships.

Community engagement is key. We facilitate dialogues, debates, and partner with organizations to inspire youth actions like tree planting and waste collection. Our focus on community-led solutions promotes sustainability on land and in marine environments. Continuous monitoring and evaluation ensure our interventions drive effective, sustainable change.

Project 1: Kijana Kijani Project (Go Green Initiative)

The Kijana Kijani Project addresses the urgent need for climate change awareness and action in Tanzania, where 28% of the population lives below the poverty line and faces severe climate risks. The project empowers youth, who form most of the population, as climate champions. Through storytelling via 3D animation, comic books, and audio stories, Kijana Kijani educates and engages young people on climate issues, distributing content through traditional and digital platforms to reach millions.

Kijana Kijani also inspires youth to act, such as tree planting and waste collection, and facilitates debates and essay writing competitions to further engage them. The project encourages dialogues among community members on climate change issues, fostering greater understanding and collaboration. Additionally, a guide manual is being developed for educators to ensure consistent climate education during session facilitations. Tai collaborates with community leaders, government, NGOs, and other key players to ensure local ownership and impact sustainability. By applying a Human-centered Design (HCD) approach, the project promotes community-driven solutions and social behavioral change, aiming to close the significant knowledge gap on climate change and build a resilient generation capable of addressing environmental challenges.

Watch Kijani Animation:

Project2: Baharimania(OceanMania)

The Bahari Mania (OceanMania) Project addresses the critical issue of plastic pollution in Tanzania's oceans, where marine ecosystems are increasingly threatened by rising plastic waste. With Tanzania's population projected to grow from 56 million to 130 million by 2050, urban areas—75% of which are informal settlements—are major contributors to ocean plastic pollution due to poor waste management and high consumption rates.

Empowering youth as environmental stewards, Bahari Mania utilizes storytelling through 3D animations, comic books, and audio stories to educate and engage young people about plastic pollution's impacts. The project distributes content via traditional and digital platforms, reaching millions to raise awareness and drive action.

Additionally, Bahari Mania organizes youth debates, facilitates community dialogues on plastic pollution, and promotes initiatives like waste collection and recycling. A guide manual for educators will enhance climate and environmental education. By collaborating with community leaders, government, NGOs, and other key stakeholders, Tai Tanzania ensures local ownership and long-term sustainability. Using a human-centered design approach, the project fosters community-driven solutions and behavioral change, aiming to combat ocean plastic pollution and build a resilient generation committed to protecting marine environments. This project is implemented in partnership with the Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation.

Testimonial:

“…We should take care of the environment because without taking care of the environment the temperature increases for example; Mt. Kilimanjaro until the ice melts means the temperature has increased…”
This perspective was boldly shared by one student from Tandika secondary school.