Building Resistance Movement against the EACOP project in Tanzania
By Baraka .D. Machumu for Green Conservers Tanzania
In the sun-drenched expanses of Tanzania, the land hums with a rhythm known only to its people. For generations, this land has been the lifeblood of its communities, providing sustenance, culture, and a profound connection to nature. However, the proposed East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) threatens to disrupt this harmony, sparking a movement that intertwines tradition and activism. In the past six months, our Stop EACOP campaign has grown in leaps and bounds, driven by the unwavering support of the 350 grants fund and the relentless spirit of the communities affected by the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project.
Green Conservers, a youth organization that advocates environmental and climate justice, joined forces with the local community members to build a resistance movement. Over six months, they engaged 246 community members, including 115 women and 27 indigenous people, each bringing unique perspectives and invaluable knowledge. Our journey, marked by collaboration, empowerment, and advocacy, has significantly heightened awareness and galvanized action against the environmental and social injustices posed by the EACOP project. Together, they forged a collective voice, powerful enough to echo across the valleys and reach the corridors of power.
Engaging Media and Influencers
With the 350 organization's support, we launched a comprehensive media engagement strategy, partnering with media houses and social media influencers to amplify our message. This strategy was crucial in reaching a wider audience, informing the public about the environmental injustices tied to the EACOP project, and rallying support for our cause.
- 11 Communities were visited to collect the stories and more than 30 people were interviewed
- 11 Stories were published in Newspapers, 1 TV and 7 radio sessions conducted
- 25 Young people trained in digital advocacy and activism
- More than 3 million reached both Green conservers and young activists handles
- 3 social media influencers were engaged online and offline
Empowering Communities
The Fund enabled us to empower and mobilize communities across eight regions in Tanzania affected by the EACOP project. Through targeted outreach and empowerment programs, we provided these communities with platforms to voice their concerns and demand accountability. Our advocacy efforts culminated in organizing five peaceful protests and eleven community visits, where 246 community members, including 115 women, 107 youth, and marginalized individuals, shared their experiences and voiced their concerns.
Voices of Women and Marginalized Groups
A cornerstone of our campaign has been the inclusion of 115 women and marginalized groups, who are disproportionately affected by the EACOP project. The Fund facilitated targeted outreach programs that ensured their meaningful participation in advocacy efforts. By amplifying their voices, we not only highlighted the gender-specific impacts of the project but also advanced gender equality and social inclusion in our advocacy work.
Building a Broader Movement
Collaboration has been at the heart of our strategy. The Fund enabled us to strengthen ties with like-minded organizations, advocacy groups, young people, and civil society partners. This collective effort has increased our impact, creating a powerful movement for environmental justice and sustainable development. By uniting with other stakeholders, we have amplified our advocacy efforts, drawing greater attention to the plight of the affected communities. Also using social media was a great achievement for our movement.
Strengthening Organizational Capacity
To sustain and enhance our advocacy efforts, we invested in strengthening our organizational capacity. The Fund facilitated training workshops and capacity-building initiatives, equipping our team with essential skills in advocacy, community mobilization, and media engagement. These initiatives have been instrumental in empowering us to effectively advocate for environmental justice.
Amplifying Community Voices
Our advocacy efforts have led to heightened community involvement and awareness about the EACOP project's impacts. Through peaceful marches, demonstrations, and community forums, we provided platforms for community members to voice their concerns, share their experiences, and demand accountability from decision-makers. These events were not just about protest but about creating a space for dialogue and empowering communities to take a stand for their rights.
A Journey of Empowerment and Resilience
From December 2023 to May 2024, our journey has been one of empowerment, resilience, and unwavering determination. The Fund has been instrumental in driving positive changes and outcomes in our advocacy work against the EACOP project. We have seen greater awareness, empowerment, and resilience within affected communities and beyond.
The fight against the EACOP project is far from over, but with the continued support of the Fund and the collective strength of the communities, advocacy groups, and civil society partners, we are confident that we can drive meaningful change. Together, we will continue to amplify voices, demand accountability, and work towards a future of environmental justice and sustainable development.
