*UDSM, Guardians of the Peak Champion Clean Energy and Environmental Conservation at Sabasaba*
By Selemani Nambimbi, CMU
The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and the youth-led environmental initiative Guardians of the Peak have reaffirmed the importance of partnerships in advancing environmental conservation, clean energy, and sustainable tourism during the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF), popularly known as Sabasaba.
The message was delivered when representatives of Guardians of the Peak visited the UDSM Pavilion, where they interacted with members of the University community and members of the public on the critical role of collaborative action in protecting Tanzania’s natural heritage, particularly the fragile ecosystem of Mount Kilimanjaro.
“Protecting Mount Kilimanjaro requires collective action. Universities, young people, conservation partners, and local communities all have a role to play in safeguarding this iconic ecosystem for present and future generations,” a representative of Guardians of the Peak said during the visit.
The organisation, a Tanzanian youth-led environmental and sustainable tourism initiative, has gained recognition for mobilising young people to promote conservation through environmental advocacy, eco-tourism, and climate action. Its programmes seek to preserve the ecological integrity of Mount Kilimanjaro while strengthening Tanzania’s position as a leading destination for sustainable tourism.
A key pillar of the initiative is its documentary project, which highlights conservation efforts taking place on and around Africa’s highest mountain. According to the representatives, the documentary not only raises awareness of Mount Kilimanjaro’s ecological significance but also showcases Tanzania’s rich natural heritage to international audiences.
“Through storytelling and documentary filmmaking, we are inspiring people to appreciate the value of conservation while showcasing Tanzania’s natural heritage to the world,” the representative added.
Beyond advocacy, Guardians of the Peak actively engages young Tanzanians—including students from the University of Dar es Salaam—in mountain expeditions, climate change awareness campaigns, and tree-planting programmes aimed at cultivating a new generation of environmental champions. Through its Season II programme, the initiative is also promoting the adoption of clean cooking energy on Mount Kilimanjaro to minimise environmental degradation associated with tourism activities and support more sustainable mountain expeditions.
The visit also highlighted UDSM’s growing contribution to Tanzania’s environmental sustainability agenda through research, innovation, and community engagement. Across its colleges, schools, institutes, and research centres, the University continues to develop evidence-based solutions in renewable energy, clean cooking technologies, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable natural resource management.
The collaboration between UDSM and Guardians of the Peak reflects a shared commitment to supporting the Government of Tanzania’s environmental and clean energy priorities while contributing to the aspirations of the Tanzania Development Vision 2050, which places sustainability, innovation, and inclusive development at the heart of the country’s long-term transformation.