Tourism stakeholders, including dedicated guides and porters, recently concluded a significant four-day cleanup campaign on Mount Kilimanjaro, successfully removing over 600 kilogrammes of accumulated rubbish. This crucial initiative was meticulously coordinated by Zara Tanzania Adventures and aimed squarely at preserving the pristine natural beauty and ecological integrity of Africa's highest peak.

Bernard Saini, the Human Resources Manager for Zara Tanzania Adventures, highlighted the primary source of the waste: discarded food and beverage containers left behind by climbers and the service providers supporting their expeditions. He underscored the necessity of these cleanup efforts, stating, "A lot of waste remains on the mountain due to improper disposal by climbers and those who serve them. It must be removed to ensure the mountain remains clean and safe." Mr. Saini further added that Zara Tours consistently organises these anti-pollution campaigns on an annual basis, working in close collaboration with various other committed stakeholders.

This year's extensive exercise saw the active participation of a diverse group of organizations and individuals. Key participants included Kaza Dan, the Mount Kilimanjaro Porters Society, the Tourism and Environment Social Organisation, Zara Charity, NLT, and the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), specifically through their Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) division. These collaborative efforts demonstrate a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.

Mohamed Mkoma, Chairman of the Tanzania Association of Porters (TAP), expressed profound commendation for Zara's leadership in spearheading the initiative. He emphasized the direct benefit of a clean mountain, asserting that it translates into a safer and more conducive working environment for porters. Despite the timing falling during a traditional low season for tourism, 35 participants from various tourism sectors willingly joined the exercise, underscoring their dedication to their workplace.

Looking ahead, Gilbert Kasaba, a representative for tour guides, put forth an important plea for manufacturers of products commonly used by climbers to actively engage in future cleanup endeavors. He pointed out that a significant portion of the collected waste comprised locally manufactured food and beverage packaging, suggesting that these companies are integral tourism stakeholders and should therefore support such vital initiatives. Justin Lazaro, representing TANAPA, lauded Zara Tours and all its partners for their unwavering commitment to maintaining Mount Kilimanjaro's cleanliness, proposing that this cleanup exercise establish a commendable model for waste management that should be adopted and emulated by other national parks, thereby enhancing the safety and experience for both local and international visitors.