Eastern Arc Mountains & Coastal Forests 

The Eastern Arc Mountains and Coastal Forests region stretches along the Tanzanian and Kenyan coasts from the border with Somalia to the Mozambican border. Previously classified as a biodiversity hotspot itself, this region now lies within two newly classified hotspots: the Eastern Afromontane Hotspot and the Coastal Forests of Eastern Africa Hotspot.

Most of the region is in Tanzania, which takes in the Eastern Arc Mountains and the Rufiji water catchment. However, a narrow hook near the Kenya/Tanzania border follows the Eastern Arc Mountains to their northernmost limits in the Taita Hills in Kenya. The region also extends north to include the forests of the Lower Tana River in Kenya, and includes the Indian Ocean islands of Mafia, Pemba and Zanzibar.

The two distinct habitats of the Eastern Arc Mountains and Coastal Forests are notably fragmented, making threatened species within key sites highly vulnerable to extinction and further habitat loss. Agricultural encroachment, timber extraction and charcoal production are among the greatest threats.

Our support focuses on 160 sites that shelter the region's 333 globally threatened species. These species include, for example, the Endangered Zanzibar or Kirk’s red colobus (Procolobus kirkii) pictured above and found only in Zanzibar’s Jozani Forest.

Our investment in the Eastern Arc Mountains and Coastal Forests began in July 2003 to improve knowledge and appreciation of biodiversity among the local populations and stimulate support for conservation. In conjunction with this, a commitment to scientific best practices sought to improve biological knowledge in the region and show practical applications of conservation science.

Guided by an ecosystem profile developed with stakeholders, our investment focuses on conserving the region's globally threatened species and the 160 sites where they are found. Key parts of the strategy focus on select sites for maximum impact and on the linkages between people and conservation. Five strategic directions guide our approach:

1. Increase the ability of local populations to benefit from and contribute to biodiversity conservation, especially in and around Lower Tana River Forests, Taita Hills, East Usambaras/Tanga, Udzungwas and Jozani Forest
2. Restore and increase connectivity among fragmented forest patches, especially in Lower Tana River Forests, Taita Hills, East Usambaras/Tanga and Udzungwas
3. Improve biological knowledge
4. Establish a small grants program that focuses on Critically Endangered species and small-scale efforts to increase connectivity of biologically important habitat patches
5. Develop and support efforts for further fundraising

We are now assessing our initial five years of investment based on experience and lessons learned, including monitoring of final project reports compiled by the many civil society groups supported. A workshop with stakeholders to contribute to the findings took  place in February 2009.