Minister urges collective efforts to conserve mangrove reserves
DAR ES SALAAM: MINISTER for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Pindi Chana, has directed the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) to collaborate with other institutions and environmental stakeholders in protecting and conserving the country’s mangrove reserves.
She issued the directive on Tuesday in Dar es Salaam during the launch of the National Mangrove Management and Development Strategy (NMMDS) 2025-2035, emphasising that protecting and preserving mangroves is a collective responsibility.
“I urge TFS to work together with institutions, authorities and other environmental stakeholders to protect, maintain and conserve all mangrove forests in the country so that we can continue to benefit from all the advantages provided by mangroves,” said Dr Chana.
She stressed that, given the many benefits of mangrove forests, TFS should initiate various development projects to support communities living near mangrove reserves.
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Dr Chana added that immediately after the elections, councillors from districts along mangrove-rich coastlines should be educated so that they can, in turn, inform their communities about the importance of conserving and protecting these vital ecosystems.
She noted that for mangroves to remain safe in their natural environment, every citizen must act as the first guardian of these reserves and whenever destruction occurs in mangrove areas, those responsible must be held accountable.
Dr Chana also directed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to ensure that mangrove forest areas are promoted as tourist attractions, to draw more tourists, supporting research activities and increasing revenue for the country.
Earlier, TFS Chief Executive Officer, Prof Dos Santos Silayo, said Tanzania is among the leading countries in conserving and protecting mangroves through the enforcement of laws. He assured that TFS will continue to strengthen the implementation of these regulations.
