Enhancement of Rehabilitation Initiatives at Wazo Hill quarry for City Eco-tourism in Dar es salaam,Tanzania.
1.0 Project Background
Since the early 2000s, Tanzania Portland Cement Public Limited Company (TPC PLC)—located is located between latitude 6° 34' South and longitudes 39° 24' East, and an altitude between 100 and 200 meters above mean sea level—has led progressive ecological rehabilitation efforts at the Wazo Hill Quarry. The area is at Tegeta area, Bagamoyo road approximately 25Km from Dar es Salaam city centre in Kinondoni District—These efforts include reforestation with native tree species, slope stabilization, and habitat restoration, aligned with the Environmental Management Act, 2004 of Tanzania[1] ,[2].
As a result, the site has become a recovering green zone with increasing ecological value. Recent biodiversity surveys have documented over 70 bird species, along with various small mammals, butterflies, and indigenous medicinal plants[3], indicating positive environmental outcomes from the rehabilitation process. The area has few trees such as baobab which have been left untouched for protection and aesthetic reasons.
Water ponds formed in depressions after removal of limestone rock as a raw material for cement production attracted invertebrates as important indicator species to reveal the importance of the ponds to biodiversity and ecosystem [4].
A vital component of this success is community engagement. TPC PLC provides free tree seedlings, supports the planting of endangered tree species, and offers technical assistance to local residents, schools, and universities. These efforts encourage active public participation in reforestation and strengthen environmental stewardship within the surrounding community, while also supporting national goals for environmental education and climate adaptation.
Strategically, the Wazo Hill Quarry Rehabilitation area is positioned near a protected area -Pande Game Reserve with 15.39 km2 (5.94 sq mi) located approximately 45 km Northwest from City centre and 16 km from the Indian Ocean at an altitude of 80m – 186 above sea level in Mabwepande ward of Kinondoni District and Mbezi ward of Ubungo District in Dar es Salaam Region of Tanzania. The area is a vital urban wetland ecosystem for biodiversity and climate resilience education making it an ideal anchor point for a broader eco-tourism and green learning corridor.
Unfortunately, the supporting infrastructures are under utilized and the surrounding community at Wazo Hill Quarry Rehabilitation area have not fully informed or engaged with potential eco and cultural tourism opportunities connecting to green jobs creation for the youth as tour guides.
Referring the existing aesthetic features, biodiversity and ecosytem from rehabilitation and renaturation initiatives at Wazo Hill Quarry, the project leader aspires to co-implement the “Dar es salaam City Eco-tour project titled: “Enhancement of Rehabilitation Initiatives at Wazo Hill Quarry for City Ecotourism in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania,” aims to formally establish the Wazo Hill Eco-Tourism and Eco-Learning Hub within the quarry rehabilitation area connecting with nearby conservation area and coastal biodiversity along Indian ocean.
Building on the strong foundation of existing rehabilitation and conservation efforts, the project improves trails, Eco learning site, and guided interpretation tours. These components will showcase Wazo Hill’s environmental transformation journey, as well as highlight the role of green production.
By integrating Wazo Hill into a wider urban-coastal network, the project supports Tanzania’s efforts to diversify tourism offerings—especially in and around urban centers—while targeting Eco-conscious visitors with interest in conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable industries.
At the same time, the initiative will promote responsible cement use and position TPC PLC as a market leader in sustainable production of building materials, reinforcing its role in national climate and development agendas.
1.1 Project Linkage with SDGs
The Wazo Hill Eco-Tourism and Eco-Learning Project supports several Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It contributes to quality education (SDG 4) by offering environmental learning sessions, youth training on Eco-tourism, and establishing a learning center. The project promotes sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) by transforming a former quarry into a green educational and tourism space. Through tree planting and awareness on climate resilience, it supports climate action (SDG 13) and life on land (SDG 15) by restoring biodiversity and promoting indigenous species. By training youth in sustainable entrepreneurship, it contributes to decent work and economic growth (SDG 8). Finally, the initiative strengthens partnerships for the goals (SDG 17) by engaging TPC PLC, local communities, schools, and universities.
[1] TPC PLC. (2023). Environmental and Social Responsibility Report.
[2] Government of Tanzania. (2004). Environmental Management Act No. 20 of 2004.
[3] Kinondoni Municipal Council & Local NGOs. (2022). Biodiversity and Habitat Survey Report – Wazo Hill Area.
[4] https://www.quarrylifeaward.com/en/quarries/wazo-hill-quarry
