AUTHORITIES in Ikungi District, Singida Region, are set to generate over 20bn/- annually from carbon credit offsets through conservation of forests.

Ikungi District Commissioner Thomas Apson revealed this yesterday during a public meeting at Matare Village, stating that the funds would significantly boost the district’s development and reduce dependence on the central government.

“The funds will not come easily; they require proper environmental management. We have the Minyughe and Mlilii forests and if we conserve them properly, we expect to generate over 20bn/- annually. Ikungi will stand out from other districts,” he said.

Apson added that the district has embraced forest conservation as a revenue-generating initiative after learning from Tanganyika District in Katavi Region which has been successfully implementing a carbon credit project that generates billions of shillings each month.

“Environmental conservation is crucial. If we manage our forests well, Ikungi will become a rich district that can better serve its people and ease the burden on the central government,” he said.

During a district council meeting in February, it was revealed that once the carbon credit project is implemented, 26 villages in Ikungi will benefit from the initiative.

Ikungi District Council Chairman Ally Mwanga who is councillor for Irisya Ward explained that the project was a result of a study tour by councillors to Tanganyika District where they learned how carbon credit projects contribute to community development.

At the meeting, the councillors approved involvement of Soldecom Agro Limited, a company engaged in various commercial activities, including carbon trading in Tanzania and other countries.

“We wholeheartedly welcome the Soldecom Agro Limited investors to help us here in Ikungi,” he said.

Barakael Solomon, Carbon Credit Coordinator in the district, said that the project will help mitigate the effects of climate change caused by global warming by promoting reforestation and preventing deforestation.

“We will focus on planting trees in deforested areas, especially along the forest borders and protect forests from encroachment,” he said.