East Africa's only Lesser Flamingo breeding site saved from soda ash extraction
Following pressure from BirdLife International and local communities, the Lake Natron mining project has been halted in major conservation victory, safe-guarding, for now, East Africa’s only Lesser Flamingo breeding site from destructive soda ash extraction.
A vital breeding ground for flamingos
Lake Natron in northern Tanzania has long been recognised as the sole regular breeding site for the Near Threatened Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor, with up to 75% of the world population depending on its alkaline waters. Each successful breeding season supports between 1.5 and 2.5 million birds, making it one of the most critical sites for the species worldwide.
As BirdLife International noted, “Lake Natron is not only valuable for Tanzania, but also a global gem that must be protected.” The lake is also home to over 300 bird species, unique fish adapted to its saline waters, and supports both tourism and community livelihoods. It was recognised as a Ramsar site in 2001 for its international importance.
A recurring industrial threat
In early 2025, a proposal emerged from Ngaresero Valley Company Ltd to extract up to one million tonnes of soda ash each year from the lake basin. Similar plans first surfaced in 2006, but were withdrawn following international pressure led by BirdLife International and dozens of partner organisations.
BirdLife International warned that large-scale mining “would have been catastrophic for flamingo breeding and devastating for local communities who rely on the lake.” Concerns included fresh water diversion, chemical pollution, hydrological disruption, and the destruction of nesting grounds.
Communities stand firm
Local Maasai communities, supported by Nature Tanzania, mounted a strong grassroots campaign under the banner “Our Lake, Our Life.” Village leaders from nine communities voiced their opposition at a series of public meetings, pointing to the risks of displacement and the loss of grazing rights if the investor’s request for 45,000 hectares was granted.
BirdLife International highlighted that “over 65,000 people depend directly on Lake Natron for their survival.” Elders described the site as central to their culture and livelihoods, while younger generations emphasised the value of tourism centred on the lake’s unique wildlife.
A government decision
In August 2025, the Tanzanian government confirmed that no licence would be issued for large-scale soda ash extraction at Lake Natron. Deputy Minerals Minister Stephen Kiruswa stated that only traditional small-scale collection of surface soda along the shorelines would be permitted.
BirdLife International commended the decision, with Ken Mwathe, Policy, Climate and Communications Coordinator for Africa, saying: “We commend the government for this announcement, but more must be done to ensure the soda ash proposal does not re-appear in future.”
A global partnership for protection
The victory was the result of coordinated efforts between BirdLife International, Nature Tanzania, scientists, and local communities. Together, they provided both evidence and advocacy to highlight the ecological, cultural, and economic importance of Lake Natron.
Nature Tanzania has pledged to continue conservation work at the site, developing alternative livelihoods such as bird guiding and sustainable ecotourism, while ensuring continued awareness of the lake’s global significance. BirdLife International concluded: “This outcome demonstrates the power of collective action in protecting our shared natural heritage.”
August 2025
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