ARUSHA: ARUSHA District Commissioner Felician Mtahengerwa has warned researchers and the public about the dangers of deforestation and the destruction of natural vegetation, stressing that such actions threaten human survival and biodiversity.
Speaking at the conclusion of the 3rd International Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI) Scientific Conference over the weekend, Mtahengerwa emphasised that deforestation harms the environment and shortens human life expectancy.
“We must ensure that research findings reach the right audiences,” he said, noting that many results remain confined to urban areas, while deforestation is more prevalent in rural regions.
He called on researchers to dedicate time to educating rural communities on the importance of forest and environmental conservation.
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Mtahengerwa also urged researchers to focus on restoring native food seeds to address diseases associated with foreign varieties.
“Research on native seeds will help conserve the environment and boost our economy,” he explained.
Elaborating, he cautioned that not all research is beneficial to the country, stressing the need for studies that restore ecological balance rather than purely commercial research, which may lead to negative health outcomes.
The District Commissioner called on research institutions to continue addressing challenges in the forestry and beekeeping sectors, urging development partners to collaborate with the government in securing funding for research.
He also encouraged citizens and experts to adopt the findings of local research institutions to further support environmental and agricultural conservation.
