Starting the year and Bringing Land Rights to the Spotlight: UCRT’s Film at the Smiley Charity Awards

As we step into a new year, we are filled with excitement and purpose, setting our sights on impactful projects that align with our mission of empowering communities to secure land rights and foster sustainable governance. Among the new initiatives launching this year is the Participatory Development of Natural Resource Governance (PODONG) project, developed in partnership with IUCN and funded by the Canadian Government. PODONG will be implemented in the Longido, Simanjiro, Yaeda-Eyasi, and Monduli landscapes, focusing on addressing key challenges such as resource conflicts, environmental degradation, and inequities in resource distribution


Guided by the outcomes of our 2024 end-of-year General Assembly, we remain deeply committed to listening to and learning from the communities we serve. These annual gatherings provide a vital platform for community members and leaders to share their insights, helping us refine our approach to tackling challenges and seizing opportunities together. This partnership-driven model lies at the heart of UCRT’s  focus for 2025: to support communities in protecting their rights and shaping sustainable futures on their own terms.


We also began the year with renewed energy after a staff retreat to the breathtaking Tanzanian coast at the end of 2024. Hosted by our partner organization, the Dorobo Fund, in Pangani, this retreat strengthened our team’s bond and reminded us of the diverse beauty we work to preserve. A day trip to Zanzibar—for many, it was a first-time visit, and the trip served as a reminder of the unique and diverse cultures we celebrate here in Tanzania.

We need your support!
Vote for UCRT at the Smiley Charity Film Awards
Kicking off the year, we are excited to share that the Ashden Awards have submitted a powerful film showcasing UCRT’s work to the Smiley Charity Film Awards. These awards celebrate cause-driven films that highlight impactful stories and elevate the voices of grassroots changemakers. This submission offers a remarkable opportunity to shine a global spotlight on the vital work of securing land rights and protecting traditional livelihoods in Tanzania, while amplifying our partners’ voices and sharing their inspiring stories with the world.

But we need your help to make it happen! Your vote can make a difference in elevating our work to new heights. Please take a moment to support us and share this opportunity with others who believe in empowering communities.

As we look towards a great year ahead, we are inspired by the collective strength of the communities we serve, the dedication of our team, and the unwavering support from partners like you. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Let’s make 2025 a year of transformative impact and shared success.


With gratitude,

The Ujamaa Community Resource Team