Volkswagen’s carbon project in Tanzania continues – despite calls for it to stop

Volkswagen’s refusal to meet Maasai representatives in Germany has sparked criticism from human rights organisations.

On the occasion of the opening of the International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich, human rights organisations are once again criticising Volkswagen's behaviour: The Indigenous Maasai people in Tanzania are under threat – and Volkswagen is playing a role in this. The company is backing a one-million-hectare carbon project that endangers the Maasai’s livelihoods, rights, traditional knowledge, and cultural identity. “As Germany’s largest car manufacturer, Volkswagen has a duty to respect human rights beyond its national borders,” says MISA (Maasai International Solidarity Alliance), an international network of Maasai and their allies, including GfbV and FIAN. According to MISA, these types of carbon projects may help Volkswagen polish its climate record – but in reality, they fuel corruption and conflicts over land and resources.

Back in March 2025, after extensive research and consultations with local communities, MISA called for all emissions projects in the Loliondo and Ngorongoro region to be suspended. Volkswagen has so far ignored that demand. The company has also rejected offers of dialogue from the Maasai, who will be touring Europe from 14 September 2025, despite repeated requests. The aim of the delegation’s trip is to draw attention to ongoing land disputes, forced evictions, and human rights violations in Tanzania – and to highlight the role of European companies. MISA strongly condemns VW’s stance: “Volkswagen can no longer ignore the voices of affected communities – responsibility does not end at Germany’s borders.” During their meetings with politicians and ministries, the Maasai delegation will continue to press for a halt to the carbon projects.

Delegation schedule

After starting their journey in Vienna, the delegation will travel via Frankfurt am Main (arrival on 17 September), Hofgeismar (arrival on 19 September), Berlin (arrival on 21 September), Cologne (arrival on 24 September) and Brussels (arrival on 25 September), finally ending their European tour in Paris from 1 to 3 October.

Delegation members

The delegation consists of Joseph Oleshangay (Maasai human rights lawyer and activist), Nkasiogi Lekakeny (Maasai woman from Ngorongoro) and Naipanoi Ntutu (Maasai youth representative from Loliondo). During the trip, they will address the following topics in particular:

• Land conflicts and forced evictions of the Maasai in the name of tourism and conservation – and the role of the Frankfurt Zoological Society, WWF, national governments, the EU and UNESCO
• Threats to Indigenous rights from soil carbon projects and the responsibility of the companies involved (Soils for the Future, Carbon Solve, Volkswagen, Verra, and The Nature Conservancy), along with changes in EU climate legislation
• Repression by the Tanzanian government and its impact on Maasai communities
• The Maasai vision of conservation and its contribution to their livelihoods, as well as to climate and biodiversity strategies

Media note

Journalists are warmly invited to meet members of the Maasai delegation during their European tour. Interviews and background discussions can be arranged on request. These conversations offer a unique opportunity to hear directly from those affected and to bring their perspectives into the public debate.

MISA carbon report (including a short German version):
https://afsafrica.org/maasai-international-solidarity-alliance-demands-moratorium-on-soil-carbon-projects-in-northern-tanzania

Further information:
FIAN: Roman Herre; r.herre@fian.de; +49 1520 7067302
GfbV: Sarah Neumeyer; presse@gfbv.de; +49 551 49906-21