Women-led, One Health Solutions in Tanzania

We are thrilled to share that the Co-Directors of FOECOE, who also serve as the in-country program leaders for the Women's EARTH Project, have received a new grant to support urgent conservation efforts for the critically endangered Sanje Mangabey (Cercocebus sanjei). This rare primate, found only in Tanzania’s Eastern Arc Mountains, plays a key role in the forest ecosystem but is facing rapid population decline due to habitat loss, poaching, and conflict with humans. The new project will be integrated into the ongoing Women's EARTH Project initiative, expanding its reach and impact through a targeted conservation campaign in the Udzungwa Mountains—one of the Sanje Mangabey’s final refuges.

In partnership with five villages near the Udzungwa Scarp Nature Forest Reserve, FOECOE will lead a series of conservation workshops with schools and community groups. These sessions will build awareness about the importance of protecting the Sanje Mangabey and promote sustainable land use practices. By working hand-in-hand with local communities—especially women already engaged in community One Health outreach—this initiative aims to cultivate long-term stewardship of wildlife and forests while strengthening biodiversity and resilience across the region. 

We’re excited to embark on this critical work and deeply grateful for your continued support. Have a lovely summer! We'll have more exciting news to share about this in the fall. 

With immense gratitude, 

Kate & the EcoVet Global / FOECOE Team

Greetings to all our supporters! This spring, EcoVet Global, in collaboration with our partners at the Foundation for Environmental Conservation and Community Enhancement (FOECOE) and the Women’s EARTH Project, will launch an exciting new training initiative in Tanzania. FOECOE co-directors, Jesca Mlawa and Eliza Komba, will be trained in the use of STARTx, an open-source platform designed for scenario-based tabletop exercises. Their primary focus will be to increase awareness of the tool and lead a “train-the-trainers” program aimed at equipping key stakeholders, including community women of the Women’s EARTH Project, village leaders, and regional health and environmental specialists with the ability to use the tool to bolster One Health capacity and preparedness. This training will enable these groups to use STARTx to work through real-time environmental and disease outbreak scenarios applying an integrative One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.

By helping local communities and leaders develop the skills to use STARTx, this initiative will not only enhance preparedness but also foster collaboration across sectors. Jesca and Eliza's work will work to ensure that the tool is widely accessible and utilized to address pressing health and environmental challenges in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. Their efforts will contribute to building a stronger foundation of knowledge within communities, encouraging them to better understand and respond to crises such as disease outbreaks or environmental emergencies. Ultimately, this project aims to create a ripple effect across the region, improving both awareness and readiness through practical training and engagement in One Health principles.

As always, we extend our deepest gratitude for your continued support and interest in the work we do. You are helping us change the approach to conservation. 

With heartfelt thanks, 

Kate & The EcoVet Global / FOCOE Team