Tanzania introduces drones to protect natural resourcess
MTWARA: THE Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) has officially launched the use of drones to strengthen forest surveillance and crack down on illegal activities threatening the country’s natural resources.
The initiative, unveiled on Monday in Mtwara Region, is part of a broader modernization strategy aimed at enhancing forest protection and conservation efficiency.
During the launch, the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were tested in the presence of conservation officials and newly trained drone pilots.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Forest Conservation, Prof. Dos Santos Silayo, and Southern Zone Commander Manyisye Mpokigwa, described the deployment of drones as a strategic advancement in monitoring forest areas and boosting the efficiency of patrols and enforcement operations.
“This technology significantly enhances our ability to detect environmental crimes in real time, including illegal logging, forest fires, unauthorized charcoal production, and encroachment into protected areas for farming or settlement,” Mpokigwa said.
He emphasized that drones will help reduce operational costs, improve safety for forest rangers, and increase the effectiveness of patrols, especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas.
He said the drones are equipped with advanced cameras capable of night vision and operating in dense forest cover, providing accurate and timely data for decision-making.
“Beyond reducing fuel and labor costs, this technology will also improve ranger safety by minimizing the risks associated with on-ground patrols,” he added.
Mpokigwa urged conservation officers nationwide to embrace the use of drones and apply the technology with professionalism to ensure the protection and sustainability of Tanzania’s forests.
“This is the time to adopt technology as a new weapon in forest conservation. Rangers must take the lead in drone operations to identify threats early and take action before irreversible damage occurs,” he emphasized.
