We have all grown up hearing and seeing stories of American superheroes like Superman flying through the skies, Batman guarding Gotham or Aquaman ruling the seas, But Interestingly on September 24th, during New York Climate Week, a new breed of heroes emerged and they were not from Hollywood, but from the land of “ Wakanda”.. Oops, I meant East Africa, in the heart of “Tanzania”
At the Spotlight Africa event that was hosted by Segal Family Foundation and partners, a gathering of African visionaries and philanthropists shaping the continent’s future, Action for Ocean (AFO) and Tengeneza Generation unveiled powerful community stories from the forest and the sea titled “Guardians of Green and Blue: A Tanzanian Conservation Journey.”
A Window to Tanzania in the Heart of Manhattan
In the heart of Midtown Manhattan, amid glass towers and city noise, a different kind of stage was set. The lobby was transformed into a window to Africa: 11 stunning photographs of Tanzanian divers, forest guardians, seaweed farmers, mountain organic farmers, and fishers adorned the walls. These images depict endangered mountain species, each serving as a vivid reminder of the people who risk the depths to protect our planet’s blue heart and Green lungs.
The Heroes Behind the Masks
Wearing a cap as a Forestman, Pius Mbogo Matunge, Curator and Director of Tengeneza Generation, took the audience deep into the lush Uluguru Mountains. With passion and conviction, he spoke about the communities that safeguard forests and the “lungs of our planet” while striving for livelihoods that respect and preserve nature rather than harm it.
Currently, Tengeneza Generation is working with 15 communities near mountain reserves, and 80% of the businesses established since 2023 are still operating, largely led by young people, especially young mothers. By spearheading this initiative, TEG aims to create livelihoods for one million young people living near Tanzania’s forest reserves by 2030. Today, TEG is already halfway toward achieving this goal.
Beside him stood Nancy Iraba, affectionately known as the Seaweed Queen who is the Co-founder and Technical Advisor at Action for Ocean (AFO) and Tanzania’s first female Divemaster. Nancy took everyone on an underwater journey, sharing stories of hope and resilience from more than 100 coastal villages where Action for Ocean works with local men and women to restore marine ecosystems, champion ocean access, rebuild fisheries, and pioneer Africa Finance Seaweed Facility, first ever of its kind in Africa with ambitious goal of empowering 25,000 seaweed farmers by 2030, equivalent to over 80% of all seaweed farmers in Tanzania ( Wow)
The storytelling session was more than just a talk but a tapestry of lived experiences. Every word carried the pulse of the forest and the heartbeat of the ocean. The audience was deeply moved and 98% pledged to amplify our work in ensuring the stories of Tanzania’s coastal and forest communities reach even wider shores. To close, we invited participants to create their own version of a superhero and engage with ocean and forest stories by coloring on recycled paper handmade by Tengeneza Generation. Each stroke of color became a reflection of what it means to protect our Green and Blue Worlds. The room came alive with creativity, laughter, and a sense of shared purpose, a moment where art met action, and everyone became a guardian.
The Message That Echoed Beyond New York
Amid the art, laughter, and stories, a message resonated loud and clear:
“We can’t protect nature if the people living closest to it are hungry.”
“True conservation isn’t about charity but genuine partnerships and collaboration that empower local people to lead”
From the dense Uluguru forests to the coral gardens of Tanzania; from Africa to New York to the world, the voices of the green and blue were finally heard, strong, rooted, and real.
“Hosting this session in collaboration with Tengeneza Generation was like bringing local voices to global conversations,” said Nancy Iraba, Technical Advisor, Action For Ocean (AFO)
“Reflecting on the event, the pictures on the walls told different stories; they connected people back to our roots and the values that sustain us.” Jerry Mang’ena, Executive Director of Action for Ocean (AFO)
“Uluguru Forest is one of the largest carbon sinks in East Africa, protecting it means protecting our planet, but to do so, we must support communities with sustainable businesses.” Pius Matunge, Director and Curator, Tengeneza Generation
Guardians of the Green and Blue session was a call to recognize that Africa’s true superheroes aren’t in comic books. They are the divers restoring coral reefs, the farmers cultivating seaweed, and the forest guardians protecting the largest carbon sinks on earth. They wear no capes but only courage.
And on that September day in New York, their voices soared from the ocean floor to the global stage reminding the world that the future of our planet depends on empowering those who live closest to its heartbeats, the forests and the seas.
Thanks to Segal Family Foundation for giving us the stage. Spotlight Africa is a convening space hosted by Segal Family Foundation, Rippleworks, Livelihood Impact Fund, and Judith Neilson Foundation for African leaders and philanthropists who work in Africa during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Written by Nancy Iraba (Seaweed Queen)
Photography by Imani Nsamila
Hosted by:
Segal Family Foundation in partnership with Action for Ocean (AFO) and Tengeneza Generation (TEG)
Missed the session? Watch the full video [here].
Share your thoughts and join the conversation — because everyone has a role in protecting our Green and Blue worlds.