Zanzibar targets 3.2 million trees in long rains campaign
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR has unveiled an ambitious plan to plant more than 3.2 million trees during the 2026 long rainy season, as part of efforts to restore the environment and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Speaking at a press briefing over the weekend, Zanzibar Minister for Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock, Suleiman Masoud Makame said the annual tree-planting campaign remains a key national priority, taking advantage of the Masika rains to improve survival rates and expand green cover across the islands.
He said a total of 3,273,154 seedlings have been prepared in both public and private nurseries. Of these, 1,045,179 were raised in government nurseries, while 2,227,975 were produced by private operators and non-governmental organisations.
“The seedlings include a wide variety of species for both environmental conservation and economic benefits,” he said.
The breakdown includes 2,117,458 fruit and spice trees, 637,173 forest trees, 16,200 coconut seedlings, 336,703 clove seedlings and 165,620 mangrove seedlings Mr Makame said the seedlings were produced through a collaborative effort involving government institutions, including the Forestry Department, the Department of Agriculture and Food Security, and the Zanzibar Agricultural and Livestock Research Institute (ZALIRI), alongside NGOs such as OIKOS, Community Forest Pemba, Ngezi Vumawimbi Heritage Organisation, and the Tanzania Association of Foresters.
He added that additional mangrove seedlings were prepared in partnership with organisations including Mwambao, Community Forest Pemba, CAN, and ZAVECO, highlighting the importance of restoring coastal ecosystems.
To ensure accessibility, seedlings will be sold at subsidised prices through government nurseries across Unguja, including Mwanyanya, Kibele, Dunga, Kitogani, Selem, Mwanakombo, Machui, Mwera and Makunduchi. In Pemba, distribution points include Konde Wingwi, Weni, Dodeani, Chanjaani, Wesha, and Kigope.
However, coconut and clove seedlings will be distributed free of charge under a special arrangement coordinated by the ministry in collaboration with district authorities.
Mr Makame said the main objective of the campaign is to conserve the environment and reduce the impacts of climate change. The government plans to plant trees across at least 100 hectares of public land, including areas such as Chaani–Masingini, Kibele, and Dunga–Jendele in Unguja, as well as Maziwang’ombe in Pemba.
In addition, at least 50 hectares will be covered under community forestry initiatives, involving government institutions, NGOs, conservation committees, and local residents.
Tree planting will also target roadsides, abandoned sand mining areas, and open spaces in both urban and rural areas. Key roads earmarked for greening include Miwani– Mwachealale, Selem–Mbuzini, Masingini–Kijichi, Msikiti wa Waarabu–Mbuzini, and Kizimbani–Bumbwisudi.
The minister noted that the initiative will continue under the Zanzibar Green Legacy Programme, a 10-year project implemented in collaboration with the Office of the First Vice President to restore the islands’ green heritage.
He called on the public to take advantage of the ongoing rains by planting trees in homes, farms, schools, and public areas, stressing that proper care and maintenance are essential for long-term benefits.
“Trees play a vital role in our economy, environment, and social well-being. We must all take responsibility to plant and nurture them for the benefit of current and future generations,” he said.
Mr Makame also urged leaders at all levels to intensify mobilisation efforts, building on the momentum achieved in previous campaigns.
The annual Masika treeplanting drive has become a cornerstone of Zanzibar’s environmental strategy, reflecting a growing national commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience.
