ARUSHA: VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Philip Mpango urged forestry and beekeeping stakeholders on Wednesday to effectively utilise the sector to drive the country’s economic growth and preserve the environment for future generations.
The VP whose speech was read by the Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Mr Dunstan Kitandula gave the directives during the 3rd International Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI) Scientific Conference, which took place in Arusha.
Dr Mpango also urged the ministry to enhance the quality and quantity of wood and bee products.
He said the government’s ongoing efforts, alongside stakeholders, to improve forest and beekeeping management so as to minimise importation of forest products from abroad.
He pointed out that while the beekeeping sector holds significant economic potential, honey production remains far below the country’s capacity, with current annual production averaging 34,000 tons, well below the potential 138,000 tonnes.
Regarding forestry, Dr Mpango commended the collaboration between the government and stakeholders, which has supported the growth of forest product processing industries.
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He said the collaboration has resulted in products like MDF, poles and paper, reducing imports and increasing foreign trade.
With the conference theme focused on “Restoring Forest Landscapes for Sustainable Development and Climate Change Mitigation,” Dr Mpango called for strong measures to achieve forest restoration and improve product quality.
He directed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and the Tanzania Forestry Fund to allocate funds for research to address challenges in the forestry, beekeeping and environmental sectors.
The VP also urged TAFORI and other research institutions to focus on invasive plants and develop plans to manage fire incidents in natural forests and plantations.
Moreover, he called for collaboration with NGOs, the private sector, and local governments to create joint forest restoration strategies.
TAFORI Chairperson, Professor Verdiana Masanja, noted that Tanzania has 48.1 million hectares of forest, but the number of researchers remains low, with one researcher serving 566,000 hectares, compared to countries like Finland, where one researcher manages 44,000 hectares.
TAFORI Director General, Dr Revocatus Mushumbusi, explained that the conference aims to foster collaboration and provide scientific recommendations on addressing climate change challenges in the forestry and beekeeping sectors.
Member of the Parliamentary Committee on Land, Natural Resources and Tourism, Ms Lucy Mayenga, insisted on the importance of the forest sector to the economy and the environment.
