Tanzania hunter-gatherers win Equator Prize for carbon-offset project

This year, the community sent 12 members for training as forest rangers, supported 25 students and provided hospital treatment for 23 individuals.

Additionally, the carbon revenues were used to bring field clinics to the community through the regional health department to diagnose and treat tuberculosis and common eye disorders among other sicknesses.

Paulo Isaya, a 15-year-old student whose secondary school fees are covered by the Yaeda Valley Project's education fund, said the carbon project had brought a lot of change to the community.

"I wouldn't have been able to afford the school fees were it not for this program, likewise to most of my age mates. Now I'm confident that I will realize my dream of becoming a cardiologist and opening a hospital to give back to my community," Isaya said.