Andreas Hemp
Dec 2024
Annual Christmas Party
On December 12th, the Kili-SES staff gathered for their annual Christmas celebration. The festivities began with cake and drinks, followed by the much-anticipated distribution of Christmas bonuses. At the same time, exciting news arrived from the DFG: the project has been extended for another four years.
The room erupted in cheers and joyful singing. In keeping with an old Chagga tradition from the Old Moshi area, a song celebrating the happiness of the moment was performed, adding a cultural touch to the occasion. The celebration continued well into the evening hours, filled with music, laughter, and a shared sense of achievement.
For listening to the song please have a look here:
Christmas Video
Happy holidays and a Happy New Year!
– Claudia Hemp –
Oct 2024
Kili/TanzMont Team Leads the Charge in Rau Forest Cleanup for World Cleanup Day 2024
Since 2018, World Cleanup Day has grown into a massive global initiative, uniting millions of volunteers across 180 countries to create a cleaner, healthier planet. This movement, led by the organization Let’s Do It World, aims to raise awareness about waste mismanagement and inspire long-term changes in behavior. The campaign highlights that cleanup efforts are just one part of the solution, stressing the need for systemic change, such as improving waste management infrastructures and reducing the consumption of single-use plastics.
In Tanzania, World Cleanup Day has seen a strong mobilization of volunteers, with events organized across the country. In 2023, approximately 40,000 participants joined forces to collect over 500 tons of waste, while simultaneously conducting waste audits to better understand the origins of the pollution and push for local solutions (Break Free From Plastic).
In October 2024, the Kili/TanzMont team participated for the second time in a cleanup of the Rau Forest near Moshi. On October 5th, many volunteers gathered to clean the forest, with the Kili/TanzMont team contributing the largest number of helpers of a participating organization. Photos from the event show the significant amount of waste collected during this effort, illustrating the ongoing need for such community actions.
By participating in World Cleanup Day, Tanzanian communities not only address immediate environmental concerns but also raise public awareness about the importance of responsible waste management and environmental stewardship. More information on similar initiatives can be found at www.nipefagio.co.tz.
Sept/Oct 2024
Report on the Kili-SES Project Evaluation (30th September – 3rd October 2024)
From the 30th of September to the 3rd of October 2024, the Kili-SES project underwent a thorough evaluation by an international team of reviewers, accompanied by representatives from the German DFG. The present evaluation reviewed the project’s achievements to date and future plans.
Prior to the formal evaluation, on the 29th of September, the Kili-SES group held a trial run at the scientific station in Nkweseko. The participants delivered presentations on various scientific excursions and insights, using the session to receive feedback and refine their talks ahead of the formal evaluation.
The official review began on the 30th of September at the Lutheran Uhuru Hostel in Moshi, with the rappoteur of the DFG, Georg Guggenberger, welcoming participants and Katrin Böhning-Gaese and Markus Fischer providing an overview of the project. Andreas Hemp followed with an introduction to Kilimanjaro’s unique ecological system and Berta Martín-Lópes of the relevant social groups. The day then proceeded with presentations from the team, covering the progress made across subprojects 1 through 7.
The following day, the first excursion took the group to the Chagga Homegardens in Shimbwe, where Victor Kinyaiya and Andreas Hemp gave an overview of the usage and ecology of the homegardens. Berta Martín-López and her colleagues presented findings from the social-ecological subprojects, emphasizing the relationship between local communities and their environment. followed by an afternoon of interactive presentations from the social science SPs.
Later in the day, the group visited Kili plot Maize 3, which illustrated the severe consequences of climate gradients, in particular water availability for agriculture and livelihoods. The group then moved on to the savanna plot Sav2, which showcased a disturbed savanna woodland. This visit underscored the growing impact of local populations on Kilimanjaro’s remaining savanna ecosystems and highlighted the environmental and socio-economic challenges facing the region.
On the second day of excursions, the group followed the Highland Path through the “half-mile forest strip.” Originally intended as a buffer zone for timber production, the area is now part of Kilimanjaro National Park, which no longer permits resource extraction.
As the group ascended from the half-mile strip, they moved through various vegetation zones within the montane forest belt of Kilimanjaro, now a protected area. Along the transect, Kili-Plots have been established to gather long-term data on vegetation composition, biomass productivity, and climate. Over the years, this data has provided crucial insights into the dynamics of Kilimanjaro’s montane forest ecosystems.
Higher up the mountain, the group reached the border of the moorland zone, a stunning landscape dominated by dry tussock grasslands and giant lobelias. Erica forest, a visually striking area with dense trees draped in beard-like lichen (Usnea). In this forest, the team demonstrated the social-ecological methods employed in the project, showcasing various installations for measuring rainfall, fog, temperature, and soil moisture, as well as the sophisticated instruments used for dendrometry (measuring tree growth).
The group continued further upward into the Erica bushland, where they observed an area severely impacted by fire in recent years. The fire had reduced vegetation, with significant implications for the region’s water balance.
As the group descended the mountain, they were treated to a magnificent view of Mawenzi’s peak, one of Kilimanjaro’s striking summits. This marked the end of the excursion, and the group returned to Moshi to reunite with those who had not participated in the day’s activities. That evening, the group gathered at the Chanya Lodge for a poster presentation of Subproject 7 (SP7). The excursions provided an immersive experience, deepening the understanding of Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecological zones and the complex interplay between people and the natural environment.
– Claudia Hemp –
Aug 2024
Stress in the Ecosystem: Clouds Are Rising Higher
Deforestation exacerbates climate change in tropical montane rainforests like those on Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mountain forests in Africa are under significant stress due to increasing deforestation by humans. And climate change is adding to the pressure: As researchers from Marburg have discovered, African mountain forests have shrunk by around 20 percent over the past two decades. This has led to an increase in average air temperature, and the surrounding clouds now hover more than 230 meters higher. In mountainous regions like Kilimanjaro, this means that forests are far less able to “comb” water from the clouds. “This has far-reaching consequences for the water balance and biodiversity in Africa,” comments Dr. Dirk Zeuss from the Department of Geography at Philipps University of Marburg on the findings of a study with international research involvement. The researchers published their findings in the journal Nature Communications.
Tropical montane forests are unique in their biodiversity and so-called ecosystem services. These services include, for example, the production of fresh water for both nature and humans. Based on satellite data, the Marburg research team calculated that approximately 18 percent of the forest was lost between 2003 and 2022. Reasons for this include small-scale farming and logging. As a result of forest loss, other environmental conditions have also changed, as the researchers found by combining various environmental data sets. For instance, air temperature rose by about 1.4 degrees Celsius, and the lower cloud edge moved up by 236 meters. “This shift in temperature and cloud formation is clearly not caused by the pre-existing climate change alone, but by the loss of montane forests,” interprets Dr. Dirk Zeuss. “On Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, more than 50 percent of the forest area has already been destroyed since 1880,” adds Dr. Andreas Hemp, co-author of the study from the University of Bayreuth, who has lived and conducted research on Kilimanjaro for 35 years.
“This means that human interventions such as deforestation are worsening climate change,” explains Marburg researcher Dr. Temesgen Abera. “We therefore need to focus much more on protecting montane forests from deforestation, as they are critical to biodiversity, fresh water production, and many other ecosystem services in the tropics.” Abera is currently a research fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation at the University of Marburg.
Research groups led by Marburg, as well as from the University of Helsinki, Finland, the Finnish Meteorological Institute in Helsinki, the University of Bayreuth, the University of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Wuhan University, China, and North-West University in South Africa contributed to the publication.
Original publication: Abera T et al. (2024) Deforestation amplifies climate change effects on warming and cloud level rise in African montane forests. Nature Communications 15:6992. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51324-7
– Claudia Hemp –
July 2024
Effects of insect herbivory on biogeochemical cycling in broadleaved forests vary with temperature
A global study was conducted across six continents, examining 74 plots in 40 mature, undisturbed broadleaf forests. The aim was to understand how plant-eating insects affect the natural nutrient cycles in these forests.
The scientists analysed freshly fallen and green leaves to measure levels of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and silica. They also looked at leaf production, the extent of insect damage and the overall nutrient flows in the forest. The study found that insects release more nutrients in tropical forests than in temperate and boreal forests, and that this release increases with warmer temperatures. In some places, the nutrients released by insects even exceed those deposited from the atmosphere. This shows that regular insect activity can have a significant impact on the cycling of elements in the ecosystem and influence carbon cycles on land. In addition, climate can influence how plants and insects interact, with important implications for global nutrient cycling in broadleaf forests.
As part of the Kili-SES project, Bernice Hwang studied two research plots in the montane zone of Kilimanjaro with the help of local field assistants. They also surveyed two plots in the Udzungwa Mountains. Our team contributed the only plots from East Africa and two of the four plots from the entire African continent to this study, published in Nature Communications.
Publication: Hwang B et al. (2024) The impact of insect herbivory on biogeochemical cycling in broadleaved forests varies with temperature. Nature Communications 15:6011. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-50245-9
– Claudia Hemp –
May 2024
Zwischen Naturlandschaft und Lebensraum
In der Ausgabe 1/2024 der Zeitschrift “forschung”, dem Magazin der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), erschien ein wunderbarer Artikel zum Thema Mensch-Natur-Beziehungen: Zwischen Naturlandschaft und Lebensraum, am Beispiel des Kilimandscharo, verfasst von María Eugenia Degano, Neema Robert Kinabo, Thomas Müller und Katrin Böhning-Gaese. In diesem werden die Arbeit innerhalb des Projektes “Die Rolle der Natur für das menschliche Wohlergehen im sozial-ökologischen System des Kilimandscharo” als auch erste Ergebnisse vorgestellt.
Der Artikel ist auf Deutsch erschienen.
Issue 1/2024 of “forschung”, the magazine of the German Research Foundation (DFG), published a wonderful article on the subject of human-nature relationships: Between natural landscape and habitat, using the example of Kilimanjaro, written by María Eugenia Degano, Neema Robert Kinabo, Thomas Müller and Katrin Böhning-Gaese. It presents the work within the project “The role of nature for human well-being in the social-ecological system of Kilimanjaro” as well as initial results.
The article has been published in German.
March 2024
A creative approach for social-ecological science communication at Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
In February 2023, subproject 3 (SP3) of the Kili-SES team embarked on an outreach tour to communicate their research findings to communities, tour operators, nature conservationists and other interested stakeholders at Mt Kilimanjaro.
Jelke Meyer, a former student at Leuphana University of Lüneburg, wrote her Bachelor thesis on arts-based methods for social-ecological science communication, utilising SP3’s outreach tour as a case study. As part of her thesis, Jelke designed four posters based on SP3’s findings to be presented during the outreach tour. Over a few months, Jelke worked closely with SP3 to ensure the posters effectively represented the research results. Jelke’s illustrations depict the diverse Nature’s Contributions to People (NCP) and values of nature expressed by different stakeholders of Mt Kilimanjaro.
In line with the key message of her thesis, Jelke recently created an informative video which demonstrates the value of using arts-based and creative design methods to communicate social-ecological science to a non-academic audience.
We hope that Jelke’s video and posters inspire other researchers to communicate their research findings in creative and innovative ways.
Link to the poster series: https://doi.org/10.48548/pubdata-78
Link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGQFpwQQTJA
– Jasmine Pearson, Jelke Meyer & Berta Martín-López –
March 2024
Weather or not – Global climate databases: Reliable on tropical mountains?
In this publication the significance of accurate climate data for climate change predictions and research is emphasized. In a recent study published in PLOS ONE, the inaccuracy of commonly used climate datasets, particularly in tropical mountain regions like Tanzania, including Kilimanjaro is demonstrated. Andreas Hemp and his team have established a unique network of climate measuring stations to gather precise data, crucial for understanding species distribution and ecosystem functions in the face of climate change. Existing global datasets, such as WorldClim and CHELSA, often underestimate precipitation levels and misrepresent altitude-related patterns, impacting species distribution models and predictions. The study underscores the necessity for locally collected data in tropical mountain regions, cautioning against overreliance on global datasets.
Adapted from: Universität Bayreuth, Press Release No 031/2024 – 15 March 2024
Publication: Hemp A, Hemp J (2024): Weather or not—Global climate databases: Reliable on tropical mountains? PLoS ONE 19(3): e0299363. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0299363
March 3rd, 2024
Visit of State Minister Katja Keul
On 3rd March 2024, a delegation from the Federal Foreign Office in Berlin, led by Katja Keul and representatives of the German Embassy in Dar es Salaam, visited the scientific station Kidia. Katja Keul, State Minister in the Foreign Office, Vera Beutin and Regine Heß from the Foreign Office, Kathrin Steinbrenner from the German Embassy in Dar es Salaam, and the Zeit journalist Tillmann Prüfer, were briefed on the DFG-funded Kili-SES project. There was significant interest in understanding how the project came about and the backstory of the Hemp couple, who have been residing at the Kidia station for 34 years. Following an introduction to the two research groups since 2010, Andreas Hemp discussed the results and publications accumulated since then, particularly focusing on long-term climate and vegetation data, which are likely rare for a few areas worldwide over such a time span. A brochure summarising the results of the first research group was handed to the delegation, along with two leaflets about the Kili-SES project and the NGO TanzMont, explaining the areas addressed and surveyed through the research. While the first research group primarily collected ecological data, the second research group focuses mainly on the connections between humans and nature. It was also noted that with the recently completed forest inventory, an invaluable and possibly unique dataset for the tropics is now available. Claudia Hemp presented her work as a coordinator and also discussed her scientific activities as an entomologist. When the delegates sought examples of practical applications stemming from the research efforts, C. Hemp presented identification books for Orthoptera specifically tailored for East Africa. Furthermore, it was emphasized that the project has significantly contributed to the capacity building of Tanzanian scientists, with many students attaining education up to the PhD level. The topographical map of Kilimanjaro, developed during the first research group and based on 1600 permanent plots on the mountain, was thoroughly examined. The delegation also learned about the NGO TanzMont and its activities in terms of public relations (e.g. offering schools to learn about indigenous tree species) and that more than 30,000 trees have been planted in various areas on Kilimanjaro since 2014. The issue of the success of such planting actions was also addressed. The Hemps mentioned that in some areas, forests have grown, but for example, in a savannah area near Kahe, the young trees were immediately eaten by neighbouring residents’ goats and cattle herds. The booklet on medicinal plants of Kilimanjaro also found favour with the group. Following this, the Hemps showed the delegation the tree nursery and the approximately 8-year-old forest planted on the lower slope of the church grounds. After a brief visit to the old Lutheran church, the group marched through the Chagga Homegarden to the entrance of the Msaranga valley. Unfortunately, the delegation did not have enough time to descend into the valley to the waterfall. A lunch with typical Chagga dishes was well-received. The group bid farewell around 1:30 pm. We hope that the delegation gained a good insight into the Kili-SES project and the NGO TanzMont.
– Claudia Hemp –
February 2024
Revisit of IGS Linden, Hanover
In February 2024, a group consisting of two teachers and thirteen students from the comprehensive school Linden in Hanover, Germany (https://igs-linden.de), visited the Kidia station for another enlightening experience. They were invited to stay at the scientific station Nkweseko for three nights, during which they delved into exploring their surroundings, particularly the Chagga home gardens within their immediate vicinity. Additionally, they took part in the “tree tour” organised by the NGO TanzMont at Kidia and savoured the flavours of typical Chagga cuisine. The students were also introduced to the Msaranga valley, where they encountered remnants of submontane vegetation, and were treated to a refreshing shower under a waterfall.
Hosting IGS Linden, accompanied by selected graduating students, was indeed a pleasure. It is our hope that they departed with enriching impressions of the Kili-SES project and the various activities facilitated by the NGO TanzMont.
– Claudia Hemp –
February 12th-18th, 2024
Workshop on the 2nd phase of Kili-SES (Tanzania)
From February 12th to 18th, participants gathered in Tanzania for the Kili-SES Phase II Workshop. The main objective was to advance research and collaboration within the Kilimanjaro Social-Ecological System (Kili-SES) through a comprehensive agenda.
The workshop began with two days of welcoming European participants at the main house of the Nkweseko research station. This initial gathering allowed for robust discussions and activities, facilitating bilateral and multilateral exchanges among participants and subprojects. Participants were able to share insights and refine their presentations in anticipation of the upcoming sessions.
On February 13th, after a warm welcome from the management board led by Katrin Böhning-Gaese and an introduction to the project by Andreas Hemp, Mr. Steven Moshy of KINAPA delivered a keynote speech entitled “Long-term insights into the Kili Project and its transformative impact on KINAPA’s sustainable development.” This enlightening presentation demonstrated how collaboration and data derived from the Kili project supported KINAPA in planning and understanding ecological connections, presenting these findings to stakeholders and politicians. Rev. Faustine Kahwa from the Lutheran Diocese of Moshi delivered an inspiring lecture on the significance of research and its practical applications for the local community. She emphasized the significance of disseminating the results of the Kili-SES group to the public, with the expectation of a positive impact on their well-being.
Subsequently, the Principal Investigators (PIs), Co-PIs, and Postdocs from the seven subprojects shared their accomplishments from the first phase of the project and identified challenges within the Kili-SES. The presentations also outlined ideas for work packages for a second phase, which would span four years. Subsequent discussions provided opportunities for in-depth dialogue and collaboration, further strengthening the network of researchers and practitioners involved in the project.
On February 14th, participants had the opportunity to visit the Sugar Cane Plantations (TPC) south of Moshi. The excursion was a highlight of the event and provided valuable insights into various aspects of plantation management. In addition, participants had the chance to explore the organic garden and learn about cattle management. Finally, the TPC Nature Reserve Namalok was visited. This area has been restored to a nature reserve, and reintroduced wildlife such as zebra, wildebeests, and various gazelles could be observed.
The next two days, February 15th and 16th, working groups discussed key themes such as new proposals, research synthesis, data management, equity considerations, and coordination among PIs. Participants also visited research plots outside of the National Park and engaged with diverse stakeholders, enriching their understanding of the local context and fostering collaborative opportunities.
On February 17th, participants visited Kidia Station, where they enjoyed a “tree tour” to learn about indigenous trees suitable for planting in the Kilimanjaro plantation zone. Andreas Hemp provided insights into the history of the parish, highlighting Bruno Gutmann’s successful contributions as a Lutheran missionary and author on ethnological topics concerning the Wachagga people. The day ended with a walk to Msaranga, a submontane valley with a waterfall, providing an opportunity to admire the region’s biodiversity and ecological dynamics. Some group members even took a refreshing shower under the 80m high waterfall at the end of the valley.
– Claudia Hemp –
January 2024
Rooted Learning: ESG Gladenbach Graduating Class Explores the „Tree Tour“ in Kidia
Nineteen students and five teachers from Europe School Gladenbach led by Matthias Möller visited Kidia for a captivating “tree tour,” delving into the realm of indigenous trees. Andreas Hemp kickstarted the educational journey by providing in-depth insights into the history and culture of the Wachagga people, along with an introduction to the Kili-SES project. The group was led to the tree nurseries, where a spotlight was cast on trees with valuable timber, such as Khaya anthotheca, and the critically endangered Oxystigma (Prioria) msoo. Remarkable were the approximately one-year-old saplings of the tallest tree in Africa, Entandophragma excelsum, which are ready to be transplanted into the neighboring valleys. These include the Mrusunga Valley in particular, which is home to the mighty giants. The group also visited the historic Lutheran church of Kidia, where Andreas Hemp provided a detailed account of its history, showcasing old books from the missionary Bruno Gutmann. The music teacher, Kristina Guhl, was particularly enthralled by a book containing German Christmas carols in both German and Chagga languages. Spontaneously, she sang some of the carols, attempting to pronounce them in the Chagga language. Following this educational exploration, the group indulged in a traditional Chagga meal before venturing to the steep Msaranga valley, culminating in a cascading waterfall heightened by abundant rainfall. Some adventurous students even joined Andreas for a refreshing shower beneath the invigorating waterfall.
The Europe School Gladenbach (https://europaschule-gladenbach.de/) maintains a longstanding collaboration with Kisomachi Secondary School at Kilimanjaro. Upon departure, they spontaneously proposed bringing around 20 trees to the school premises, allowing each participating student and teacher to plant their own tree within the school grounds—a thoughtful and lasting gesture to commemorate their visit.