Tanzania has launched a major environmental conservation initiative worth USD 5.8 million aimed at strengthening the resilience of natural forest biodiversity against the impacts of climate change.
The project, titled “Enhancing the Resilience of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services of Tanzania’s Natural Forests to Climate Change Impacts,” is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The official launch was presided over by the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr. Pindi Chana (MP), at the Pugu–Kazimzumbwi Nature Forest Reserve in Kisarawe District, Coast Region. The occasion also marked the unveiling of a national strategy to restore degraded forest land.
“This project will play a vital role in boosting the capacity of our natural forests to adapt to climate change through enhanced protection systems, support for eco-friendly livelihood activities such as tourism, and improvements to infrastructure including ranger posts, forest boundaries, and fire management equipment,” said Minister Chana.
She explained that the six-year project, which began in September 2023 and will run until 2029, is being implemented at a total cost of USD 5,837,010.
The project also seeks to reduce communities’ direct dependence on forest resources by introducing alternative, sustainable economic activities.
The intervention targets nine forest reserves in five regions: Hassama Hills, Nou, and Mount Hanang in Manyara; Uzigua and Pugu–Kazimzumbwi in Coast; Pindiro and Rondo in Lindi; Mwambesi in Ruvuma; and Essimingor in Arusha.
“This initiative will not only strengthen the adaptive capacity of forest ecosystems, but it will also increase revenue collection through the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS), reinforce government-community partnerships, and promote ecological stability by connecting natural reserves with other conservation areas,” Chana added.
The Minister also commended development partners and civil society organizations for their continued support in forest conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of sustained collaboration for the benefit of the nation and future generations.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Hassan Abbasi, urged citizens to actively participate in forest conservation and issued a stern warning to individuals and groups who violate conservation regulations.
UNDP Resident Representative, Mr. Shigeki Komatsubara, underscored the importance of the initiative, pointing out that Tanzanian forests are increasingly threatened by climate change and human-induced activities such as deforestation and wildfires.
“This project is crucial not only for conserving forests, but also for improving livelihoods by reducing communities’ reliance on forest resources,” Komatsubara said.
The launch event brought together stakeholders from the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), the Ministry of Finance, President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (TAMISEMI), Kisarawe District, the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), and various development partners.