Duma Newsletter 2 (3)

May 14, 2005

Welcome to the Duma newsletter, bringing you the latest news from Tanzania, updates to our site, and any special deals and last-minute bargains for travelers to Tanzania.

In this issue:
1. What is happening to Kilimanjaro's icecap?
2. New Duma hire: Indy Elias in Zanzibar

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1. What is happening to Kilimanjaro's icecap?

According to the United Nations Environment Program, Kilimanjaro's icecap receded 55% between 1962 and 2000. The mountain has lost 82% of its icecap since it was first surveyed in 1912, and scientists believe that most of the glaciers may be gone by 2020. Kilimanjaro has been covered by ice and snow for the past 11,000 years. Climate change, coupled with the widespread deforestation of Kilimanjaro's slopes, are the likely culprits causing the icecap's disappearance. Scientists in the area have noticed a decreased supply of water in Kilimanjaro's lowlands, and periodic droughts have already taken their toll on agricultural areas surrounding Kilimanjaro. Tanzanian farmers, who do not have access to the technology and infrastructure available in the developed world, will continue to be affected by the unpredictable weather and decreased water supply associated with deforestation and climate change.

2. New Duma hire: Indy Elias in Zanzibar

Indy Elias is Duma's newest staff addition. Although he has been working informally with Duma since 2002, we officially brought Indy on staff last month to coordinate our Zanzibar operations. Indy is a native of Arusha, but has lived in Zanzibar since 1999. He serves as Duma's liaison with the Zanzibar tourism industry, and coordinates hotel bookings and tours on the island. Before starting at Duma, Indy worked as the Food and Beverage Coordinator at Ras Nungwi Beach Village and Sales Supervisor at Blues Restaurant. He completed has Advanced Level in Arusha and then completed a correspondence course with Cambridge International College in Sales and Marketing. You can read more about Indy online at: http://www.dumaexplorer.com/biographies/indy_mungure.shtml.

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