The Founder:
Dr. Joel J. Bwemelo is a Medical specialist and founder of APAO Village, a regenerative living and biodiversity restoration hub in Kigamboni, Tanzania. Drawing on over 20 years of healthcare experience, he connects human health, climate action, and ecosystem restoration.
Through SERA2030 – Sustainable Environment Restoration and Adaptation, he leads practical action in tree growing, biodiversity restoration, environmental education, circular practices, and community-based green livelihoods.
APAO Village is developing into a living learning and research hub, documenting biodiversity and restoration progress while exploring measurable carbon removal and nature-positive solutions.
We welcome researchers, organisations, students, interns, volunteers, sponsors, and environmental changemakers to collaborate, learn, research, and scale SERA2030 with us.
Restore nature. Empower communities. Build a resilient future.
Advisory Board |
Dr Joel J Bwemelo
APAO Founder
Mr Ally Mandai
Board Chair | Politician
Anna Kitiwili
APAO CEO
Palvin Mulokozi
Marketing Specialist
Mr Ephrahim S Kanyuma
Business Consultant
Rambert R Bimba
Senior Environmental Officer
Mr Mwesigwa Fredrick
Accountant
Mr Peter Kibehi
Social Project Advisor
KARIBU KWETU
APAO Village is an eco-friendly destination in Kigamboni offering culture, recreation, relaxation, coworking, eco-tourism, and sustainability experiences, located 24 km from the ferry and 1.5 km from the beach.
Vision
To become a vibrant community-based Regenerative-tourism and Living biodiversity hub, where scientifically verified restoration, cultural heritage, climate learning and green enterprise benefit both Nature and Communities.
Mission
To create a sustainable, community-led eco-tourism destination that protects nature and culture, empowers locals through economic opportunities, and promotes environmental solutions for future generations.
Goal
Our goal is to promote Regenerative Living by preserving culture and nature, supporting local economies, advancing eco-tourism, promoting innovation, and strong community partnerships.​
Objectives
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1. To host at least one annual events showcasing Tanzania's traditions, arts, nature and culture. ​
2. To scale up environmental sustainability project "Biodiversity Restoration" (SERA2030)
3. To create at least 100 job opportunities by 2030 and establish sustainability partnerships
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4. To develop and market unique eco-tourism packages, mostly "Sustainability Products"
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iNUA ASILI YETU
APAO Village offers an Asilia experience where sustainability meets culture, with guided experiences, relaxation, eco-friendly stays, community connection, and access to the nearby beach.
Plant
Sustainable Environmental Restoration
At APAO Village, Moringa oleifera is our flagship tree because it connects environmental restoration, health, and the green economy.
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This resilient, multipurpose tree delivers three important benefits: it supports carbon dioxide removal and improves the local environment; it creates income through seedlings and value-added products such as Moringa powder. Promotes nutrition and wellness through its nutrient-rich leaves and provides animal fodder.
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Through the APAO Village Moringa Experience, visitors can learn, explore, plant moringa trees and discover how they are propagated, cared for and transformed into useful products.
Every visit supports SERA2030’s regenerative-living model connecting climate action, healthier communities and sustainable livelihoods.
Visitors leave with practical knowledge, inspiration and an opportunity to take home a cutting or seedling for a greener future together.
Moringa Oleifera Tree
Adaptation Showcase 1
Kitetei: Preserving Culture and Adaptation
At APAO Village, the Kitetei exhibit demonstrates how cultural heritage and environmental adaptation can work together.
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Inspired by the traditional architecture of the Wahaya people, Kitetei houses represent an early shift from fire-prone Mshonge houses to safer, more resilient structures. Built mainly with locally available soil, grass, and other natural materials, they show how communities responded creatively to environmental risks while preserving their identity.
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Using earth instead of cement and grass instead of manufactured roofing sheets reduces demand for carbon-intensive construction materials and may lower the building’s environmental footprint. The structures also demonstrate locally appropriate, affordable building knowledge.
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Although modern architecture has largely replaced these traditional houses, APAO Village preserves Kitetei as a living classroom. Visitors can explore how Indigenous knowledge, cultural conservation and climate-conscious construction can inspire sustainable living today.
Sustainable Cultural Heritage
Adaptation Showcase 2
>500 Snake Plants
APAO Village is more than a retreat; it is a practical learning hub for environmental adaptation and sustainable living.
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Our Snake Plant Adaptation Station features more than 500 snake plants and cuttings displayed and propagated in reused plastic containers. The station demonstrates how household plastic waste can be reduced, reused, and transformed into attractive plant pots instead of being discarded.
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Snake plants use a water-efficient adaptation known as CAM photosynthesis, absorbing carbon dioxide mainly at night. Although a few plants cannot completely “detox” indoor air, they support indoor greening, learning and well-being while encouraging responsible waste management.
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Visitors can explore the station, learn about plant propagation and plastic reuse, and purchase a snake plant in a reused pot for their home or workplace. Every purchase supports SERA2030’s environmental education, circular-economy activities and greener livelihoods.
Reduce & Reuse waste
Adaptation Showcase 3
Circular-Economy Adaptation Demonstration
At APAO Village, our walkways, restaurant, furniture, and decorations demonstrate how environmental adaptation, circular economy, and reduced emissions can become part of everyday life.
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Instead of covering every surface with concrete and cement, we use sand for our walkways and restaurant floor. This reduces demand for carbon-intensive cement, allows rainwater to enter the soil and helps maintain a cooler, more natural environment.
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Our tables and chairs are made from reclaimed boat timber. This extends the useful life of existing wood, keeps materials circulating and reduces demand for newly cut timber. Plastics collected during beach and community clean-ups are transformed into decorations and other useful items rather than being discarded as waste.
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These features form a key SERA2030 education station where visitors learn how reducing consumption, reusing materials and avoiding unnecessary waste can lower associated emissions and support a circular economy. It is a practical demonstration of how simple local choices can conserve resources, protect trees and strengthen environmental resilience.
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Old boat reclaimed Feniture