TFS Urges Public to Protect Forests and Plant Trees to Combat Climate Change Effects.



Dar es Salaam. 

The Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) has emphasized the importance of community participation in tree planting and supporting government efforts in sustainable forest management. This is seen as a key pillar in protecting water sources, conserving biodiversity, addressing climate change, and enhancing the national economy.


Speaking today, July 6, 2025, shortly before the opening of Environment Day at the 49th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) held at the Rashid Mfaume Kawawa Ceremonial Dome, Assistant Commissioner for Conservation and Manager of the Tree Seed Biology Section at TFS, Mr. Fandey Mashimba, said that Tanzania continues to collaborate with various stakeholders to ensure strategic and productive tree planting efforts.


According to Mashimba, Tanzania is estimated to have 48.1 million hectares of forest, accounting for about 55% of the mainland's land area. More than half of these forests are under the management of central government, village governments, and local authorities.


“Each year, we estimate a loss of over 469,000 hectares due to shifting cultivation, illegal logging, and unsustainable use of firewood and charcoal. Strategic tree planting is the solution—we must plant many trees, and the right species according to their ecological zones,” said Mashimba.


He called upon citizens, the private sector, and international partners to collaborate with TFS and the government in investing in tree-planting projects and in the care and protection of these trees so they can support forests in protecting water sources, addressing forest resource shortages, and improving ecological systems.


Additionally, he emphasized the use of high-quality tree seeds sourced from both planted and natural forests. He revealed that TFS requires 440 million seedlings annually to meet national and international restoration goals, including commitments under the AFR100 initiative, for which TFS serves as the national coordinator. He added that these goals cannot be achieved without multi-stakeholder involvement.


Explaining the role of forests, Mashimba noted that beyond conserving water and biodiversity, forests provide employment and income through forest product trade, beekeeping, and ecotourism.


He further highlighted carbon projects as an important opportunity for income generation and reducing greenhouse gases, while stressing the need for public education to ensure contracts align with national and international guidelines, benefiting both the country and forest-adjacent communities.


Mashimba also mentioned various challenges in tree planting campaigns, including seedling mortality due to poor care—especially in rural areas—low private sector participation, lack of proper land-use planning, and land conflicts. However, TFS is actively engaging the government, civil society, and research institutions such as Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) and Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI) to strengthen collaborative efforts.


In conclusion, Mashimba stressed the importance of joint efforts from all stakeholders to ensure Tanzania remains green for future generations.


“Forests are the lifeline of other sectors, including water sources and the forest economy. Planting and caring for trees is the foundation of environmental conservation and contributes to achieving both national and global goals,” he emphasized.



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