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Lesser Flamingo
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Updated 17th April 2012

Background

BirdLife International continues to be concerned about repeated calls for the fast tracking of the Lake Natron soda ash project and urges for a complete withdrawal of the project. BirdLife however, takes note of the recent announcement by the National Environment Management Council that the project remains will not be approved until the due process, including a fresh, participatory, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment is done.

We also take note of a recent government statement reiterating its commitment to maintaining the ecosystem so that flamingos continue to breed. This is line with BirdLife’s position to discourage any development at Lake Natron that risks endangering the Lesser Flamingo and the integrity of the Lake Natron ecosystem as a whole on which so many local livelihoods depend.

The National Development Corporation (NDC), the government agency mandated to initiate, develop and guide the implementation of economically viable projects in partnership with the private sector is still keen to mine soda ash at Lake Natron.  Tata Chemicals Industries Ltd and NDC planned to construct a $450 million soda ash plant capable of producing 500,000 tonnes of soda ash per year. However, Tata withdrew from the project in 2008 after a global outcry, opposing its construction. 

To nest successfully, Lesser Flamingos require very specific conditions. Lake Natron, but no other site, provides these. The proposed soda ash plant poses major risks to the Lesser Flamingos from disturbance (including increased populations of nest predators) and changes in the water balance and chemistry of the lake. Soda ash mining also threatens the tourism industry throughout East Africa and the livelihoods of the local people who depend on the lake basin for their sustenance.


These risks are so serious that BirdLife International's view is that the plant must not be built.

BirdLife International and several other institutions are spearheading an advocacy campaign to save the Lesser Flamingos and maintain the integrity of Lake Natron (see BirdLife’s position on Lake Natron).

To see the key milestones in the Lake Natron advocacy campaign over the years click on the links below:

2012

2011 2010 2009

2008 2007 2006

Ken Mwathe
Children at Magadini Primary School, Lake Natron, bring in water to school for preparing lunch. BirdLife is constructing a fresh water point for the school and the local community.
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2012

  • August 2012: A new Cost Benefit Analysis report shows that the mining of soda ash at Lake Natron in Northern Tanzania is not economically viable. The report states that the projected return on investment over the next 50 years for the soda ash factory would be a loss of between $44,354,728 and $492,142,797, even if exempted from paying tax by the Government. The study commissioned by the Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania (WCST- BirdLife in Tanzania) with funding from A.V Jensen Charity Foundation also shows that the Tanzanian public and local communities stood to gain between $1.28 and $1.57 billion in 50 years, if the Government of Tanzania invests in tourism, protection of the environment and promotion of local livelihood alternatives. Compared to soda ash mining, the people and environment would still tap greater benefits even if the Government continued managing and investing in the environment at current levels (business as usual).
Local community leaders at Lake Natron have rejected the soda ash plan (Photo: Ken Mwathe):
  • June 2012: The Tata Group denied any involvement in plans to mine soda ash at Engaruka area near Lake Natron.   The former Minister of Trade and Industry Mr. Cyril Chami had said in March 2012 that the Tanzania Government was talking to Tata Chemicals Ltd to set up a $450 million soda ash factory in the Engaruka area, which is part of the Lake Natron basin.  The factory would exploit 460 billion cubic litres of newly discovered soda ash and if the Tata deal went through, the Government of Tanzania would hold 46 percent shares through the National Development Corporation.
  • In a written denial dated 27th June 2012, Tata said it was no longer involved in any developments at Lake Natron and had no intention of going back there. The Managing Director of Tata Chemical Industries, Mr. R. Mukundan, wrote:  “I would like to reiterate that as an outcome of a detailed business review Tata Chemicals formally exited the Lake Natron Development project on 29th January 2009 and all relevant stakeholders appropriately informed.  Tata Chemicals has not been involved with the Lake Natron project since that time and we are unaware of any current developments.” 
  • We would like to salute Tata for this definitive stand.  We also urge the Tanzanian Government to withdraw the soda ash proposal in its entirety.  The Government owes it to the international community to honour the pledge it made, to protect and conserve Lake Natron, when it received the WWN Blue Globe Award in December 2010: 
  • January 2012: The East African Trans-boundary Ecosystems bill was passed on 31stJanuary 2012!! The piece of legislation provides a legal framework that will streamline the management of trans-boundary ecosystems in East African countries, which are: Tanzania, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. Within its framework, Environmental Impact Assessment is required for projects that have impacts to the countries within the East Africa Community (EAC), making it mandatory for countries to consult and share information. Projects of a trans-boundary nature such as the proposed Lake Natron soda ash plant and the Serengeti Highway by Tanzania will now be subjected to thorough vetting
2011
  • December 2011: News came through that the Chinese had joined the massive infrastructural development involving construction of a major railway with a link to Lake Natron.  The Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tanzania and Uganda to construct a railway from Tanga Port to Musoma, which would proceed to Kampala through a rail ferry in Lake Victoria. The Tanzanian transport Minister, Mr. Mfutakamba, stated that, once the railway was completed it would have branches that lead to Lake Latron for soda ash collection – something which was in the initial soda ash proposal by Tata Chemicals Ltd. The entry of the Chinese is of great concern and environmental groups will be following this development closely.

Read more: http://www.dailynews.co.tz/index.php/local-news/1065-planned-tanga-musoma-]railway-to-cost-3tr

Read more: http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/-/688334/1296400/-/bfjchwz/-/index.html

  • November to December 2011: The implementation of the Lake Natron Conservation Project funded by A.V Jensen Charity Foundation was in full gear. Some of the highlights were:
    • Two local community groups comprising of 100 members were formed at Ngare Sero and Pinyinyi villages to help protect and conserve Lake Natron. One other group is under formation at Magadini.
    • The local community started constructing a Cultural boma (home). The boma comprises of 21 traditional Maasai huts, an office and beads sale area as well as a traditional cattle pen. This will serve as a tourist attraction and will earn income first to the women of Lake Natron and the rest of the community 
    • Two other livelihoods projects were identified at Pinyinyi and Magadini villages. A campsite will be constructed at Pinyinyi while fresh water will be pumped to Magadini village. Magadini village does not have a single drop of fresh water and school pupils have to fetch salty water for preparing food before starting lessons. This project will change the lives of the over 2,000 residents of Magadini by providing fresh water supply.
    • To build the capacity of the local community to manage ecotourism projects, a learning visit was organized to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. During the visit, the women/men learnt how to make and add value to beadwork and good book keeping.
  • In October 2011, Tanzania’s Director of Environment, Dr Julius Ningu told National TV (TBC) and The Guardian newspaper in Dar es Salaam that the Lake Natron the soda ash mining proposal may not be approved. Dr Ningu who works in the Vice President’s said: “The government position for this particular site is to maintain ecological system so that flamingos continue to breed for the benefit of natural vegetation at the area, that is why we have prohibited any human activities at the area.” 
  • Dr Ningu further said benefits from conserving the natural resources would outweigh those of soda ash mining, adding: “When we talk of sustainable use of natural resources, we mean for the benefit of current and future generation, now extraction of soda ash for sure can’t be beneficial to the future generation.”

 For more details click here: http://www.ippmedia.com/frontend/index.php?l=34206

  • In August 2011, The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) gave a strong hint that the soda ash project may face serious approval hurdles. In spite of the recent calls by the President to fast track the project, NEMC said it has not granted the necessary authorizations, including project Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the project. A statement from the Head of Environmental Impact Assessment at NEMC said that the Government had an obligation to make available specific information such as hydrological data and a management plan, if they wish to undertake development in the area. NEMC said apart from the ESIA, the investor is required to come up with other studies to support the ESIA. These include the ecological aspects of flamingo breeding, water chemistry, hydrology and the impacts and mitigation measures of the proposed establishment.

For more details click here: http://www.ibn-tv.com/2011/07/controversial-lake-natron-soda-ash-project-still-in-limbo-2/

 

  • In July 2011, The World Wetland Network (WWN) wrote to the President of the Republic of Tanzania following renewed calls for fast tracking of soda ash mining at Lake Natron. WWN’s Chris Rostron said Lake Natron was the breeding site for three-quarters of the world’s Lesser Flamingo population, saying a soda ash plant would “detrimentally affect this critical breeding site and could have serious impact on the Lesser Flamingo Population”
  • In May 2011, BirdLife International wrote to Hindustan National Glass and Industries (HNG) seeking clarification on its intentions on Lake Natron. Information indicated that HNG was interested in requesting a permit from the Tanzania Government to build the soda ash plant. In his letter, the BirdLife CEO Dr Marco Lambertini pointed out that a soda ash facility at the lake, however carefully designed “has the potential to destroy the East African Lesser Flamingo population through disrupting the birds’ breeding as a result of increased disturbance and changes in the water balance and chemistry of the lake.” “The risks are so serious that it remains BirdLife International's view that a soda ash extraction plant must not be built”, concludes the letter.
  • In May 2011, the name of Hindustan Glass and Industries (HNG) was mentioned as the company interested in mining soda ash at Lake Natron in collaboration with the Tanzania Government, following the withdrawal of Tata in 2008. It became clear that HNG, which is based in Kolkota in Eastern India, is the largest container glass packaging manufacturer in India. HNG has six manufacturing facilities dotted around India. Some of the notable HNG’s clients include Unilever, Cocacola, Nestle, Pfizer and Pepsi
  • On 2nd April 2011, the President of the Republic of Tanzania, H.E Jakaya Kikwete ordered the Ministry of Industry and Trade to fast track the implementation of the Lake Natron soda ash Project. The Tanzanian press quoted the President saying that the country would not continue reeling in poverty when "while our minerals are lying untapped" adding "with harvesting at Lake Natron, we will not be the first to do so, because our neighbours, Kenya, are doing the same on the other side of the lake", He said there was no need for further delay since "experience has it that excavation can continue without any disruptions to the ecosystem." The new development is a source of serious concern since it was only in October 2010 when Lake Natron was awarded the inaugural World Wetlands Network’s Blue Globe Award.  On receiving the award it was incumbent upon the Government of Tanzania to ensure that best practice on lake is maintained - and that would not include mining of soda ash mining as it would disrupt the integrity of the ecosystem as well as local community livelihoods. The proposal to locate the factory away from the lake is not new. It was put forward by the initial investor, Tata, in 2008 and rejected by stakeholders – since the raw material would still be got from the lake, thus interrupting the Flamingos which are very sensitive to disturbance during breeding.

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Ken Mwathe - BirdLife
An Elder expresses his views on Lake Natron at a community meeting.
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2010

  • In September 2010, the BirdLife Africa Partnership in collaboration with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (BirdLife in UK), initiated the Africa Site Casework for Emergency Threats Taskforce (ASCET). ASCET will spearhead the analysis of emergency threats facing African sites (especially Important Bird Areas) and will on a prioritized basis identify those that need emergency intervention in terms of advocacy and management actions. ASCET has already had three meetings and has been endorsed by the Africa Regional Committee, a major decision-making organ of BirdLife in Africa. 

  • In December 2010, the Lake Natron Consultative Group held its Strategy Meeting in Nairobi with attendance from WCST and Ilkisongo Pastoralist Initiatives (IPI) in Tanzania; Nature Kenya; BirdLife Africa Secretariat Staff and South Rift Association of Landowners (Soralo). The meeting evaluated the achievements of 2010 which included keeping the campaign alive and, for the first time, initiating site level activities to enhance the protection of Lake Natron. The Strategy for 2011 will involve ensuring that the Project is implemented successfully in collaboration with all players.

  • In October 2010, Lake Natron was awarded the Blue Globe Award at a colourful ceremony during the CBD COP 10 meeting held in Nagoya, Japan. The prestigious award was given in recognition of recent efforts to improve the management by, among other things, posting of a Ramsar Site Manager by the Wetlands Unit, posting of a Site Conservation Manager by Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania (WCST-BirdLife in Tanzania), the development of an Integrated Management Plan and establishment of two Wildlife Management Areas and the completion of a Single Species Action Plan. The Award was received by Eng Bonventure Baya on behalf of the Government of Tanzania. In his thank you speech, he said that the Award was both a challenge as well as an encouragement to work harder at protecting the Lake. A couple of other wetlands across the world received Green (Restored Wetland) and Grey (Wetland in Danger) Awards.

  • BirdLife International congratulated the Government of Tanzania for the award to Lake Natron and noted recent developments to improve management of the lake. Ken Mwathe, who spoke on behalf of BirdLife, said more than ever, there was need for stakeholders to ensure that the integrity of Lake Natron and the honour from the new award are maintained. Link to story http://www.birdlife.org/community/2010/11/lake-natron-scoops-top-award/

  • In August and November 2010, WCST appointed a Policy and Advocacy Officer and Site Conservation Officer, respectively, to support conservation work at Lake Natron. The Policy and Advocacy Officer will take the lead in the advocacy work at  National and site level while the Site Conservation Officer will coordinate project activities at site level, in collaboration with stakeholders.

  • In September 2010, it became clear that the National Development Corporation (NDC) of Tanzania was  working behind the scenes to try and justify the Lake Natron Soda ash project. NDC had commissioned a team of consultants from the University of Dar es Salaam (University Consultancy Bureau) to identify "what has been documented and what gaps exist that need to be filled before further work is done" Inquiries revealed that that the consultants were actually gathering data and information which would form the basis for another round of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment. However, the letter introducing the team stated the assessment “is not about an Environmental Impact Assessment or any assessment related to the Soda Ash project." This development raised questions and suspicion among conservation organisations.
  • In June 2010, the A.V Jensen Foundation provided funds to the BirdLife Africa Partnership Secretariat for a two year project to support conservation activities at Lake Natron.  The project, which will be implemented by Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania (WCST, BirdLife in Tanzania) will focus on strengthening a local community conservation group known as “Site Support Group”; initiating livelihoods projects to benefit the local communities and kick starting a monitoring programme using the Important Bird Area model.  The project will also support the preparation of various plans such as the Integrated Management Plan and Lesser Flamingo Single Species Action Plan.  Through the project, ways of enhancing the protection status of Lake Natron will be explored.  On the Kenyan side, Nature Kenya will be supported to lead a process of listing the Lake Natron portion as a Ramsar site.
  • In May 2010, new information on the possible revival of the soda ash plant plans at Lake Natron, were received. Tanzania’s National Development Corporation (NDC), the Government agency which developed the initial proposal with Tata Chemicals Industries, was still keen ensure that the soda ash plant project goes ahead. NDC had commissioned a hydrological study that was meant to justify that there was sufficient water to allow soda ash mining. The hydrological study would feed into a new Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Report which could lead to possible renewal of the Lake Natron soda ash project.  Stakeholders were monitoring these developments keenly.
  • In May 2010 the Tanzanian Government organised a meeting to discuss the process of creating two Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) at Lake Natron involving Longido and Ngorongoro districts. In so doing, the local communities will be empowered and stand to benefit from participating in the management of the resources within the ecosystem.  Stakeholders meeting in Arusha discussed how a strategy document will be developed showing how the WMA process will evolve.  BirdLife, WCST and the Lake Natron Consultative Group have been calling for an all inclusive process.
  • On 9th February 2010, the Lake Natron Consultative Group held a Strategy Meeting at Nature Kenya to evaluate the 2009 Strategy and chart the way forward for 2010. Among other things, the 2010 strategy will maintain Lake Natron's presence in the media, work to establish a community livelihood project at Lake Natron and provide support for local level planning.  The Lake Natron Consultative Group has grown from just 5 institutions in 2007, when it was formed to oppose the contruction of soda ash factory at LakeNatron, to 51 today.  In 2010 The Group will e strengthened even further will continue to highlight threats facing other threatened ecosystems inAfrica.
2009
  • In November 2009, the Lake Natron Community renewed their resolve to protect Lake Natron against any form of industrial development.  The community led by one of their elders at Ngare Sero Village declared "LakeNatron belongs to us, our children and our childrens children.  No one can take it away from us".  Through this declaration, the community re-affirmed their commitment to continue protecting the lake and its resources, including the flamingos for their benefit, now and in future. Read more (Nick, am not sure if this is already highlighted in the webpage already).
  • Between November and December 2009, the Kenya Government has been in the process of evicting squatters who have been residing in Mau Forestfor the last one decade thus causing immense destruction.  Mau Forest is one of the biggest "water towers" in Kenya and is the source of Ewaso Nyiro South River, which  feeds Lake Natron.  The eviction of the squatters is vital since the forest provides economic benefits and is a source of livelihoods for millions of people in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Sudana and even Egypt. Without it, Lake Natron and its function as a breeding site for Lesser Flamingos would cease.  The Government plan has been faced with much resistance but it seems determined to proceed with the evictions.
  • In September 2009 the Lake Natron community vowed to protect Lake Natron and its resources from any industrial development.  A Maasai Elder Lasoi Ole Nareshoi said "God gave us this resource for use by ourselves, our children and children's children" adding "No one can take the Lake Natron away from us".  This happened at a meeting organized by the Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania  to discuss the formation of a local community group to support conservation and development in the area.  The meeting was attended by WCST staff Paul Nnyiti, Cosmas Nguya and Kyonjola Nsanjigwa and Ken Mwathe of BirdLife Africa Secretariat. (Read more).
  • In September 2009, the Government of Tanzania through the Tanzania Investment Centre denied any claims that it had invited bids for the supply of soda ash mining equipment.  The TIC categorically denied that the Government had given a green light to the project.  In a statement it said, "TIC position is simple, we have not given any green light to the project.  Neither has the Vice-President's Office given a greenlight,"  adding " The laws are clear regarding this issue and will have to be followed".  This put to rest the anxiety and speculation that the government may already have cleared the soda ash mining project.
  • In August 2009, an advertisement for the supply of mining equipment at Lake Natron soda ash project appeared on the web.  The ad required prospective investors to give bids for the "supply of machinery and equipment, as well as trucks in a green field soda ash/caustic soda processing plant."  The advert was ostensibly placed on behalf of a private company by the Tanzania Investment Centre.  This information cause some anxiety among conservation groups interested with the future of Lake Natron (Read more).
  • In June 2009, the Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania (BirdLife in Tanzania) screened "Crimson Wing", the Disney film on Lake Natron flamingos, to the Tanzanian Parliament.  The film was screened to Members of Parliament sitting in Dodoma on 24th and 25th June 2009.  WCST's CEO Lota Melamari accompanied by the film's producer, Matt Aeberhard, report that the film was viewed with great interest by the MPs.  The team's visit to parliament was graciously facilitated by Dr Batilda Buriani, Tanzania's Environment Minister; the members of Parliamentary Permanent Committee on Land, Natural Resources and Environment and the House Speaker Hon Samuel Sita.  This historic event took the Lake Natron challenge and threw the gauntlet at the feet of Tanzania's lawmakers.  Judging from the enthusiasm shown by the MPs it is possible Lake Natron now has a few more high level supporters.  However, "the work is far from being over" warns Mr. Melamari.  "The government has not withdrawn its interest in the exploration of the soda ash project and so we should maintain our influence and awareness creation to various segments of the society", he adds.
  • In February 2010, Tanzania's Action Plan for the Conservation of Lesser Flamingos was finalised at a workshop held at Lake Manyara national park in Northern Tanzania.  The meeting to refine and finalise the draft prepared by the Wetlands Unit, coicided with this year's World Wetlands Day which was celebrated on 2nd February, world wide.  Participants were drawn from BirdLife International, Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania, Wetlands Unit, Nature Kenya, RSPB, local government and the local community.  The action plan aims, among other things, to protect the integrity of Lake Natron and other soda lake and emphasises the need for regional cooperation to conserve East Africa's 1.5-2.5 million Lesser Flamingos. Read more: Celebrating Natron's Flamingos with action.
  • On 9th February 2010, the Lake Natron Consultative Group held a Strategy Meeting at Nature Kenya to evaluate the 2009 Strategy and chart the way forward for 2010. Among other things, the 2010 strategy will maintain Lake Natron's presence in the media, work to establish a community livelihood project at Lake Natron and provide support for local level planning.  The Lake Natron Consultative Group has grown from just 5 institutions in 2007, when it was formed to oppose the contruction of soda ash factory at Lake Natron, to 51 today.  In 2010 The Group will e strengthened even further will continue to highlight threats facing other threatened ecosystems in Africa.
  • In November 2009, the Lake Natron Community renewed their resolve to protect Lake Natron against any form of industrial development.  The community led by one of their elders at Ngare Sero Village declared "Lake Natron belongs to us, our children and our childrens children.  No one can take it away from us".  Through this declaration, the community re-affirmed their commitment to continue protecting the lake and its resources, including the flamingos for their benefit, now and in future.  Read more (Nick, am not sure if this is already highlighted in the webpage already).
  • Between November and December 2009, the Kenya Government has been in the process of evicting squatters who have been residing in Mau Forest for the last one decade thus causing immense destruction.  Mau Forest is one of the biggest "water towers" in Kenya and is the source of Ewaso Nyiro South River, which  feeds Lake Natron.  The eviction of the squatters is vital since the forest provides economic benefits and is a source of livelihoods for millions of people in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Sudana and even Egypt. Without it, Lake Natron and its function as a breeding site for Lesser Flamingos would cease.  The Government plan has been faced with much resistance but it seems determined to proceed with the evictions.
  • In September 2009 the Lake Natron community vowed to protect Lake Natron and its resources from any industrial development.  A Maasai Elder Lasoi Ole Nareshoi said “God gave us this resource for use by ourselves, our children and children’s children” adding “No one can take the Lake Natron away from us”.  This happened at a meeting organized by the Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania  to discuss the formation of a local community group to support conservation and development in the area.  The meeting was attended by WCST staff Paul Nnyiti, Cosmas Nguya and Kyonjola Nsanjigwa and Ken Mwathe of BirdLife Africa Secretariat. (Read more)
  • In September 2009, the Government of Tanzania through the Tanzania Investment Centre denied any claims that it had invited bids for the supply of soda ash mining equipment.  The TIC categorically denied that the Government had given a green light to the project.  In a statement it said, “TIC position is simple, we have not given any green light to the project.  Neither has the Vice-President’s Office given a greenlight,”  adding “ The laws are clear regarding this issue and will have to be followed”.  This put to rest the anxiety and speculation that the government may already have cleared the soda ash mining project.
  • In August 2009, an advertisement for the supply of mining equipment at Lake Natron soda ash project appeared on the web.  The ad required prospective investors to give bids for the “supply of machinery and equipment, as well as trucks in a green field soda ash/caustic soda processing plant.”  The advert was ostensibly placed on behalf of a private company by the Tanzania Investment Centre.  This information cause some anxiety among conservation groups interested with the future of Lake Natron (Read more)
  • In June 2009, the Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania (BirdLife in Tanzania) screened “Crimson Wing”, the Disney film on Lake Natron flamingos, to the Tanzanian Parliament.  The film was screened to Members of Parliament sitting in Dodoma on 24th and 25th June 2009.  WCST’s CEO Lota Melamari accompanied by the film’s producer, Matt Aeberhard, report that the film was viewed with great interest by the MPs.  The team’s visit to parliament was graciously facilitated by Dr Batilda Buriani, Tanzania’s Environment Minister; the members of Parliamentary Permanent Committee on Land, Natural Resources and Environment and the House Speaker Hon Samuel Sita.  This historic event took the Lake Natron challenge and threw the gauntlet at the feet of Tanzania’s lawmakers.  Judging from the enthusiasm shown by the MPs it is possible Lake Natron now has a few more high level supporters.  However, “the work is far from being over” warns Mr. Melamari.  “The government has not withdrawn its interest in the exploration of the soda ash project and so we should maintain our influence and awareness creation to various segments of the society”, he adds.     
  • In January 2009 BirdLife International adopted a new direction for the “Think Pink” Campaign.  The campaign launched in October 2007 was designed to oppose the construction of the soda mining proposal at Lake Natron through petitions and protests when it seemed as if there was a headlong rush to develop the soda ash facility without adequate information, proper planning or consideration of all options. By the end of 2008, the "Think Pink" campaign had obtained petitions and protests from institutions and individuals in 63 countries. Almost certainly as a result of this pressure working in tandem with other protests and campaigns e.g. The Lake Natron Consultative Group, the ESIA commissioned for the soda ash project was rejected by the Tanzanian authorities and one of the main backers of the project -  TATA Chemicals Limited of Mumbai, India, publicly announced withdrawal of the ESIA.  The new direction favours a shift from strong outward opposition to working with the Tanzanian (and Kenyan) governments and other partners to find sustainable long term solutions for Lake Natron.  In particular, working closely with these governments to ensure that the future of Lake Natron, the flamingos and local communities are not put at risk.  This approach will hold as long as the precautionary principle is upheld by these governments.
  • In January 2009, BirdLife jointly sponsored a meeting with the Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania (WCST- BirdLife in Tanzania) that brought together the Wildlife Division of Tanzania, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Natural Light Films (who have recently made  a film of the Flamingos of Lake Natron), the Ilkisongo Pastoralists Initiative and other stakeholders to undertake a holistic overview of main current initiatives at Lake Natron and opportunities for synergies; agree on key steps for collaboration in development and implementation of a framework for Lesser Flamingo Action in Tanzania and East Tanzania; Develop a road map (and regional collaborative links) for the development and implementation of Lake Natron Integrated Management Plan and the proposed inclusion of Kenya side as a Ramsar site, and agree a fundraising framework plan for conserving Lake Natron.  The Lake Natron informal Partners forum was formed to take the above issues forward with roles and responsibilities being agreed.

2008

  • Between 28th October to 4th November 2008, the 10th Meeting of the Ramsar Convention (Ramsar COP10) took place in Changwon, South Korea.  Many significant developments related to Lake Natron took place, among them a statement by the Government of Tanzania highlighting the importance of the Lake to the country's economy.  The Environment Minister described Natron as "Flamingo's birthplace" during the launch of "Crimson Wings" a Disney Nature Film on flamingos.  During Ramsar COP10 the BirdLife team comprising of Richard Grimmett (BirdLife International), Achilles Byaruhanga (Nature Uganda / BirdLife in Uganda) and Ken Mwathe (BirdLife Africa Secretariat) held consultations with Dr Buriani and discussed Lake Natron.  The conference also passed a resolution asking the government to file a report indicating the extent to which the Ramsar Advisory Mission recommendations had been implemented.  Lake Natron also featured prominently at the BirdLife International exhibition booth where a poster and brochures were distributed. (Click to read the full story).

  • When Kim IL Kim Hong IL - the young Editor of the children Magazine Eco-generation - visited the BirdLife booth at the COP10 Ramsar conference he was so touched by the story of Natron flamingos that he decided to mount his own mini campaign.  He drew quite some attention with his small poster written ‘Save Natron flamingos”. BirdLife believes Kim represents the future generation, whose voices should be heard.

  • Between 13th and 18th October 2008, Ken Mwathe attended the Horn of Africa Environment Centre and Network Meeting in Djibouti and presents a paper on Lake Natron titled "The role of advocacy in saving threatened ecosystems and species: the case of Lake Natron flamingos".  During this period seven new institutions joined the Lake Natron Consultative Group raising the number to 41.

  • In September 2008 the report of the Ramsar Advisory Mission (RAM) on Lake Natron, Tanzania was officially released.  The RAM which took place on 17th  to 29th  February 2008 was to provide advice to the Government of Tanzania concerning the wise use and future management of the Lake Natron Basin Ramsar Site, with particular reference to the proposed development of a soda ash facility that would abstract liquid brine from Lake Natron.  Among other things, the report called for the withdrwal of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment, the development of an over-arching plan for Lake Natron and  the establishment of a regional cross border conservation project linking Tanzania with Kenya.  The full report can be viewed here.

  • In September 2008, the 12th Pan African Ornithological Congress meeting in South Africa passed a resolution urging the Government of Tanzania to protect Lake Natron as the world's most important Lesser Flamingo breeding site.  The 250 scientists from all over the world asked the government to consider the disruption the proposed soda ash mining is likely to cause on the breeding of this highly sensitive species. (Click to read the full story).

  • On 26th August 2008 a Consultant was engaged by BirdLife International, the RSPB (BirdLife in UK),  and WCST (BirdLife in Tanzania) to carry out a Cost Benefit Analysis of conserving the resources of Lake Natron against soda ash development.  The consultant who is a Tanzanian professor from one of the local universities will carry out the study by interviewing interested and affected parties at local, national and regional levels.  He will also make a field visit to Lake Natron to carry out the assessment.  Critically, the consultant will take the views from the investor (Tata Chemicals Ltd and National Development Corporation) and will also interview key government officials. At the end of the study a stakeholder meeting will  be held to give a critical analysis of the results.  
  • On 6th August 2008 two staff from BirdLife Africa Partnership Secretariat, Julius Arinaitwe and Ken Mwathe joined a team of Tanzania’s Wildlife Division in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) to discuss the development of Lesser Flamingo Action Plan (LFAP).  The LFAP would be crafted within the framework of a Integrated Management Plan for Lake Natron.   
  • On 10th July 2008 The Lake Natron Consultative Group issued a comprehensive statement faulting National Development Corporation’s position on Lake Natron project.  The Group, which BirdLife International Africa Partnership is part of maintained that shifting the location of the project could not mitigate the possible negative impacts on Lesser Flamingos and would cause more damage to the landscape through the factory’s extended ecological footprint.  (Click to download the Lake Natron Consulatative Group Media Statement; Word 46 MB).
  • On June 22nd 2008, The National Development Corporation, Tata Chemicals Ltd partner in Tanzania released a press statement saying it was keen to proceed with the soda ash project.  NDC supported the proposed project claiming it would not be harmful to Lesser Flamingos and would bring many benefits to the people.  NDC blamed the woes currently facing the proposed project to the sustained campaigns by local and international organisations to have the project stopped.   
  • On 19th June 2008, a team from Lake Natron Consultative Group was invited to East African Parliament headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania, to brief the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Tourism on the Lake Natron issue.  The team comprised of Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania, Ilkisongo Pastoralist Initiatives, BirdLife International and Journalists Environment Action Team.  The team had a fruitful 1 and ½ engagement with the Members of Parliament.  Two submissions were made: that the House passes the bill on the Management of Natural Resources in East Africa and that the Lake Natron issue be debated upon.  Both these requests were granted. 
  • On 22nd May 2008, Tata Chemicals Ltd officially withdrew the soda ash project as originally conceptualised.  This was contained in a statement released to the Hindustan Times of India.  In withdrawing the project, the Tata Managing Director was said:

“The Company is not in a position to take a view with regard to resumption ‘til it has a chance to examine the final approved Ramsar Management Plan currently under preparation for LakeNatron.” The Hindustan Times story titled Green Groups halt Tata Plant in Tanzania also quoted Mr Khusrokhan saying, “…the original Environment and Social Impact Assessment….. should be treated as withdrawn.” 

  • On 14th May 2008, a team from BirdLife International Africa Partnership Secretariat, Lake Natron consultative Group, Nature Kenya and Youth for Conservation held a meeting with the Speaker and the Clerk of the East African Parliament.  The team requested the Speaker for an opportunity to make a presentation to the Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Tourism.  The Speaker agreed and pointed out that he was in the process of forging stronger links between Parliament and civil society.
  • On 5th May 2008 The Lake Natron Consultative Group held an international press conference at Hotel Intercontinental Nairobi and renewed the advocacy campaign for Lake Natron.  Subsequently there was extensive press coverage in the local and international media. Notable were: a live interview by Ken Mwathe, The Group’s Coordinator, with Kenya’s NTV on 6th May and prominent stories by The Independent (UK) and Reuters. Many local media houses in East Africa also ran supportive stories.

Ken Mwathe
A Team from BirdLife International and Lake Natron Consultative Group address a leaders sensitisation meeting at Engare Sero Village at Lake Natron.
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  • On 1st May 2008 the new Environment Minister (Dr Batilda Buriani) announced that the government had discarded the ESIA report and would await fresh studies by the investor. However she stated that the new studies must be preceded by the development of an Integrated Management Plan for Lake Natron Basin Ramsar site.
  • On 30th April 2008 the World Bank organised a stakeholder meeting in Dar es Salaam in which the new project manager for Tata Chemicals Ltd announced that they had asked the government to withdraw the ESIA report they had submitted for review. Mr Rahul Singh said the investor would move to a new site 32 kms away and would carry out fresh studies.
  • On Wednesday, April 29, 2008 Journalists Environmental Association of Tanzania (JET) had an audience with the Minister for Environment, Dr Batilda Buriani, during which they briefed on their activities and discussed about Lake Natron. JET commended her for visting Lake Natron and replying promptly to the letters sent to her by stakeholders.  They also pointed out that the issue had taken too long and stakeholders wanted to know the government's decision. She explained that the government was aware of the concerns by stakeholders pointing out that some processes had to be completed before the government could make any decision.
  • On 7th April the Consultative Group wrote a similar letter to Dr Burhani presenting a strong case for the project to be rejected based on social, economic and ecological considerations.
  • On 4th April 2008, a Team of Tanzanian MPs who sit in the Parliamentary Committee on Land, Natural Resources and Environment were taken on a tour of Lake Natron.  The visit was organised by the Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania (WCST).  The MPs had several meetings with local community, with one meeting at Engare Sero Village being attended by more than 100 people who were strongly opposed to soda ash mining. At the end of the tour the MPs acknowledged the serious impacts of soda ash mining and some pledged to oppose it.
  • In March 2008, BirdLife International wrote to the new Minster for Environment in the Vice President’s Office (Dr Matilda Salha Burhani) urging her to reject the proposed project.  She sent a reply saying  whatever decision the government makes it will not contravene Ramsar, CBD and other conventions.
  • On 13 March 2008, Lake Natron Resources Ltd wrote formally to NEMC to withdraw the current ESIA from consideration.  The letter stated that LNRL would commission a new ESIA for the new proposed site(s) and associated infrastructure. LNRL called on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism first to prepare an Integrated Ramsar Management Plan to inform the ESIA.
  • Between 17th and 29th February 2008, the Ramsar Secretariat sent an Advisory Mission to Tanzania to advise the government on the long term conservation of Lake Natron vis-a vis the proposed soda ash mining.   BirdLife International and Lake Natron Consultative Group made written and verbal submissions to the Ramsar Team calling for the protection of Lake Natron in perpetuity by rejecting the soda mining plans.
  • During the public hearing on 23 January, the National Development Corporation unexpectedly presented revised plans for the soda ash plant. Key changes included a shift in the site of the proposed plant from Wosi Wosi to Kitumbeine, more than 32 km away. These major changes should require a new ESIA.
Serah Munguti
An international Press Conference on Lake Natron underway in Nairobi, 5th May 2008.
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  • On 23rd January 2008, the National Environment Management Council of Tanzania held a public hearing on the EIA of the proposed project in Dar es Salaam.  During the hearing, strong opposition to the project was expressed; with over 90% of the members of the public present rejecting the project.  The strongest opposition came from a delegation of 12 community members who traveled from villages surrounding Lake Natron.  BirdLife International and the Lake Natron Consultative Group presented verbal and written submissions opposing the development. The RSPB also presented the opposition of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators. There was wide media coverage of the public hearing in Tanzania with most of the coverage being supportive of BirdLife International’s, Lake Natron Consultative Group and RSPB’s positions.
  • On 17th January 2008, WCST (BirdLife in Tanzania) supported by BirdLife International and the RSPB (BirdLife in the UK) made a presentation to the Tanzanian Parliamentary Committee on the Environment outlining the case against the project.
  • On 2nd November 2007, the Technical Advisory Committee of the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) of Tanzania declined to accept the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the soda ash project at a meeting in Dar Es Salaam.  WCST made a detailed critique of the EIA to the meeting and presented the BirdLife International position which requested the project to be halted on the basis of the precautionary principle.

2007

  • Also in October 2007, BirdLife International initiated a global campaign to help save Lake Natron. Dubbed “Think Pink, Save Lesser Flamingos, the campaign is aimed at drawing the world’s attention to the threat that the species faces if the soda ash plant is built. As part of the Think Pink Campaign, conservation organizations, eminent conservationists, flamingo experts and concerned individuals from more than 60 countries across the world have written to the Tanzanian government protesting at the project plans. BirdLife International put out regular global press releases on the campaign and considerable media interest was generated.
  • In October 2007, BirdLife partners from 23 African countries signed a petition against the soda project and sent it to the Tanzanian Government.
  • In July 2007, representatives of WCST, BirdLife International and the Group attended the ESIA stakeholder’s meeting in Dar es Salaam and raised strong objections to the project.
  • The Lake Natron Consultative Group carried out an intensive awareness campaign through the media and initiated a petition against the soda ash plant that was signed by over 2,000 individuals across the globe. The Group also held regular consultations and wrote letters to senior government officials in East Africa and to Tata Chemicals Ltd, seeking support to have the project stopped. An Update Bulletin on developments around Lake Natron was designed and sent to thousands of individuals and institutions and across the globe.
  • In early 2007, Lake Natron Consultative Group was formed by concerned institutions and individuals in East Africa.  The Group was formed to raise awareness on the threat to Lake Natron and Lesser Flamingos by the soda ash mining proposal by Tata and the Tanzania Government.  The Group also sought to have the interests of the local communities and the risk to their livelihoods addressed.  The Group now (June 2009) has 49 member institutions covering Africa, Asia, Europe and Americas.  The Group is coordinated from the BirdLife International, Africa Partnership Secretariat. Email: Ken.Mwathe@birdlife.or.ke

2006

  • Following a scoping notice published on 1st November 2006 by the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) of Tanzania, WCST (BirdLife in Tanzania) made a submission to NEMC which stated that “in the eyes of conservationists, the implementation of this project will result in an ecosystem catastrophe in the long run”. Since that initial submission, WCST has maintained constant opposition to the project plans, including putting out press releases, radio interviews and lobbying and advising government officials.

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