Sariani Water Source Protection and Restoration

The Sariani Water Source Protection Project demonstrates how community leadership, Indigenous knowledge, and sustainable ecosystem restoration can work together to secure essential natural resources.

Introduction

Protecting Water, Restoring Ecosystems, Sustaining Communities

NOLORAMATA is committed to promoting sustainable rangeland management and ecosystem restoration across Loliondo in Ngorongoro District, Arusha Region, Tanzania. Between 2023 and 2025, the organization worked in partnership with communities in Oloipiri, Orkuyene, Lopolun, Oloirien, and Oldonyowas to restore degraded rangelands through community-led conservation practices.

The restoration approach combines bush clearing, temporary protection of restored grazing areas from livestock, and controlled ecological burning to encourage the regeneration of nutritious native grasses that support both livestock and wildlife. Recognizing the close relationship between healthy rangelands and reliable water resources, NOLORAMATA has expanded its conservation work to include the protection and restoration of critical community water sources.

About the Sariani Water Source

The Sariani Water Source originates from four seasonal streams flowing from Loliondo I Forest and the Sariani Community Forest. These streams converge to form the main spring that supplies water throughout the year.

For generations, Sariani has provided a dependable source of water for the communities of Oloirien, Magaiduru, Mgongo, Mageri, and Samunge, supporting domestic use, livestock production, and wildlife.

In recent years, increasing pressure from human activities—including agricultural expansion, deforestation, and unmanaged livestock movement—has threatened the health and sustainability of this important ecosystem. Protecting the water source has therefore become a shared priority for local communities and NOLORAMATA.

Our Response

Working closely with community members and local leaders, NOLORAMATA implemented a series of conservation measures designed to restore and protect the Sariani Water Source while maintaining safe and sustainable access to water.

Key interventions include:

Protecting approximately four acres surrounding the spring through community fencing to minimize disturbance from human and livestock activities.
Establishing a designated water collection point approximately 100 metres from the spring to reduce pressure on the source while improving community access.
Restoring natural water flow by removing fallen trees and debris from the stream channel.
Conserving indigenous vegetation and protecting the natural forest surrounding the water source to strengthen ecosystem resilience.

Long-Term Vision

NOLORAMATA is committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Sariani Water Source through community-led conservation and integrated natural resource management.

Future priorities include:

Restoring the four feeder streams through tree planting and watershed rehabilitation.
Supporting sustainable land-use planning that balances grazing, farming, settlements, forest conservation, and water resource protection.
Establishing a community-based water source management committee to oversee long-term conservation efforts.
Strengthening local stewardship through continuous protection and community participation.
Promoting indigenous tree planting to restore degraded landscapes and improve ecosystem health.

Expected Impact

The Sariani Water Source Protection Project contributes to:

Improved access to clean and reliable water throughout the year.
Enhanced resilience of pastoralist communities to climate change.
Protection of biodiversity and natural ecosystems.
Sustainable livestock production through healthier rangelands.
Stronger community participation in natural resource governance.
Long-term conservation of critical water sources for future generations.

Our Commitment

NOLORAMATA believes that healthy ecosystems are the foundation of resilient communities. By working alongside local communities, government institutions, and development partners, we continue to invest in practical, community-led solutions that restore landscapes, protect biodiversity, and secure sustainable livelihoods across Loliondo.

Together, we are protecting nature, strengthening communities, and safeguarding water resources for generations to come.

Sariani before Restoration

Restoring all four feeder streams through indigenous tree planting and ecological rehabilitation.