NJOMBE: FOREST sector stakeholders in Tanzania have been urged to seize the economic opportunities presented by forests and actively participate in their conservation.
This was highlighted by the Chief Conservator of the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), Dr Elikana John, during a conference to commemorate World Forest Day, held today, March 20, 2025, at the Sabasaba grounds in Njombe.
Dr John stated that forests are a significant source of economic opportunities, including timber trade, tourism, production of various products, and beekeeping.
Insisting, he said forests could be a key driver for Tanzania’s economy if communities and stakeholders actively engage in their preservation and sustainable development.
He also called for collaboration between the private sector and environmental stakeholders to enhance forest management and promote its economic benefits.
Furthermore, Dr John explained that Tanzania is home to more than 48 million hectares of forestland, although the sector faces challenges such as illegal logging, climate change, and a lack of capital for small-scale farmers and investors.
He mentioned that to address these challenges, TFS is collaborating with international organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization(FAO)and United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) to implement forest conservation projects and educate communities about sustainable forest use.
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Additionally, Dr John pointed out that Tanzania has a great opportunity to leverage its forests, including the cultivation of commercial trees such as Prunus africana, which is used to make medicinal products, and rubber trees, which are grown for the shoe industry and other rubber-based products.
Dr John also highlighted bamboo, which is abundant in the country and can be used to make furniture, kitchenware, and environmentally friendly charcoal.
He further noted that mangrove forests, covering 158,000 hectares along the Indian Ocean coastline, also offer significant potential for eco-tourism, similar to Zanzibar’s successful efforts.
He added that if these opportunities are fully exploited, Tanzania could become a leader in forest conservation in Africa.
In closing, Dr John concluded the celebration by saying, “One person, and one tree—if this is done every year, Tanzania can become a leader in forest conservation in Africa.”
