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girl, Zainabu Miraji, for planting in Ujiji Municipality, Kigoma Region. (Photo by Ali Meja) |
In January 2011, the Minister of State (Vice-President's Office, Environment) Dr. Terezya Huvisa led a high-level government visit to the GOSESO campus in support of GOSESO-led conservation efforts of Lake Tanganyika.
In a speech given by the Minister to hundreds of villagers and other governmental officials, GOSESO was highly praised as an exceptional, indigenous led initiative that will change the face of Tanzania. Founder Dr. Yared Fubusa was praised as a "true citizen of Tanzania", a "national treasure", and a "genius and courageous young man". An invitation to visit the State House was extended to the Founder. Commitment from the Central Government of Tanzania to support the implementation of the GOSESO vision was given that day through the Minister.
Also in attendence was the Hon. Joseph Simbakalia (pictured above, center), the Regional Commissioner of Kigoma Region who has been a friend and staunch supporter of the GOSESO vision. While GOSESO remains a non-governmental organization, our ongoing partnership with the Government of Tanzania was solidified during this important event.
This visit reinforces past collaborations between GOSESO and the Tanzanian government. For example, in 2010 GOSESO partnered with the Ministry of Environment to produce over 50,000 native tree seedlings for conservation within the Lake Tanganyika region. Additional tree seedlings will be produced in 2011 for further reforestation efforts in the region.