TFS shines in conservation, eco-tourism
DODOMA: THE Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) has continued to excel in the sustainable management of forest and beekeeping resources by promoting eco-tourism, protecting biodiversity, and improving community services. The development demonstrates the commitment of the sixth phase government to building an inclusive green economy.
Presenting the 2025/2026 budget estimates for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism in the National Assembly, Minister in charge of the docket Ambassador Pindi Chana said that TFS has made significant progress in conservation, forest protection, tourism development, forest reserve improvement, production of beekeeping products and community services.
Dr Chana said that TFS conducted 17,510 regular patrols and 405 intelligence-based patrols, leading to the arrest of 3,459 individuals involved in illegal harvesting of forest resources.
Confiscated items included 36,625 bags of charcoal, 40,621 timber logs with a total volume of 2,671 cubic meters, and 1,267 logs.
To combat fire incidents, TFS cleared a total of 2,023.2 kilometres of firebreaks and managed ten watchtowers and seven firefighting stations.
Thirty-five firefighting brigades comprising 405 members and 15,632 villagers from 269 villages received training on fire prevention.
She added that TFS succeeded in upgrading the Rau (Kilimanjaro) and Nou (Manyara) forests to Natural Environment Forest Reserves, covering a total of 30,396.7 hectares.
43 other forests were officially declared as reserves by law, a move expected to boost tourism and environmental investment opportunities.
In terms of tree planting, 33.2 million seedlings were produced and planted on 8,020.2 hectares.
Another 1,794 hectares were replanted to replace trees that had died. Furthermore, 15,650 mangrove seedlings were planted in the districts of Lindi, Kilwa, Temeke, Mafia and Tanga to conserve coastal areas.
In the beekeeping sector, TFS harvested 22.5 tonnes of honey and 0.9 tonnes of beeswax, worth over 282m/- , from 222 apiaries and three designated farms.
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Additionally, 132 honey samples were sent to international laboratories for quality verification and to open up export markets.
To prevent encroachment on reserve areas, TFS verified the boundaries of 116 forests by surveying and approving 425 kilometres, clearing 1,568 kilometres and installing 672 boundary markers.
Around 6,000 villagers from 75 villages were educated on conservation to encourage community participation in protecting national resources.
Forest tourism infrastructure was improved by constructing 43.6 kilometres of new tourist trails and renovating 339 kilometres of existing ones.
One tourist bridge, 21 guest camps, two observation towers, and several rest shelters were built to attract more visitors.
TFS also distributed 287 video adverts, ran 71 radio programs, and 85 television programs to promote both domestic and international tourism. As a result, the number of tourists increased from 211,764 last year to 275,723 by April 2025, marking a 30 per cent growth.
Revenue also rose from 1.69 bn/- to 2.16bn/-. As part of its community service, TFS donated 10.7 million tree seedlings worth 3.9bn/- and 1,059 beehives to beekeeping farmers.
Twenty-seven institutions received construction and educational materials valued at 665m/- as part of its social development contribution. For the upcoming financial year, TFS plans to prepare 16 forest management plans, conduct 16,688 patrols, and deploy drone technology for the first time to survey and verify the boundaries of 170 forests.
Two new forest plantations covering 28,000 hectares will be established in the regions of Geita and Rwamgasa. Additionally, 27.5 tonnes of quality seeds and 35.2 million seedlings are ready for the new tree planting season.
In tourism, 223 kilometres of new roads will be constructed, five new rest shelters will be added, and a special bee tourism centre will be established to attract both domestic and international tourists.
