TANGA: COMMUNITIES participating in World Vision Tanzania’s (WVT) three-year climate change mitigation initiative, ‘Accelerating Reforestation for the Development of Households in Tanga (ARDHI Tanga)’, have been called upon to focus more on conservation than harvesting.
The call was made by Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS) Emigidius Kasunzu during the closing session of a two-day seminar in Tanga, recently, marking nine months since the project’s launch.
ARDHI Tanga is funded by the European Union (EU) with a budget of 6bn/ (2 million Euros from EU, approximately 5.26bn/) and co-financed by WVT with 222,222 Euros (approximately 614.2bn/ ).
The project aims to foster sustainable forest management and wood-fuel production in the Tanga Region through improved natural resource management and sustainable wood-fuel value chains.
ARDHI Tanga progresses, it aims to directly benefit 20,000 individuals, of whom 75 per cent are youth aged 15-35 and 60 per cent are women.
By prioritising education and community-driven conservation, the project is creating a sustainable model for reforestation and climate resilience in Tanga Region
Speaking at the seminar, Mr Kasunzu stressed the importance of changing community mindsets toward environmental conservation as a critical element for long-term success.
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He called for diligence in achieving the project’s objectives, emphasising its target to restore 25,000 hectares of natural forest across 40 villages in the districts of Kilindi, Handeni, Pangani and Mkinga.
“The project is not just about planting trees; it’s about ensuring that communities adopt sustainable practices that protect our environment for generations to come,” Mr Kasunzu said.
He also highlighted efforts to phase out harmful activities such as charcoal production, commending the distribution of 500 out of the 900 planned beehives as a step toward promoting conservation-friendly livelihoods.
He further urged alignment with President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s vision to achieve clean cooking energy goals, reinforcing the project’s broader significance for national development.
Mr Benson Msile, ARDHI Tanga Project Manager, showcased the adoption of the Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) technique, locally known as ‘Kisiki Hai.’
This cost-effective method involves regenerating trees and shrubs from felled stumps, sprouting root systems, or seeds. FMNR has been successfully implemented by WVT in other regions, such as Kenya.
“The FMNR approach is not only about restoring forests but also improving lives,” said Msile. “It aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, delivering economic, social and environmental benefits. It contributes to multiple SDGs, including eliminating poverty (SDG1), achieving food security (SDG2) and promoting healthy lives (SDG3).”
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Msile also emphasised that FMNR supports the development of resilient communities (SDG11), making it a cornerstone of World Vision’s global efforts to improve the lives of children and their communities.
The Tanzania Forest Services (TFS), key collaborators in the project, underscored the need to intensify awareness and mindset-changing education. Allan Enock, TFS Manager for Kilindi District, shared insights on training conducted in 14 project villages to enhance knowledge of forest conservation and alternative energy sources.
