Tanzania Launches $5.8 Million Forest Resilience Project and National Restoration Strategy

The Government of Tanzania has launched a major environmental conservation initiative aimed at restoring degraded forest landscapes and enhancing the resilience of natural ecosystems to the impacts of climate change. 

The initiative includes the official launch of the Forest Biodiversity Resilience Project and the unveiling of the National Forest Landscape Restoration Strategy (2023–2033).

The launch event,  was officiated by the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Pindi Chana, and attended by officials from the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) Agency, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and other key stakeholders.

Dr. Pindi Chana emphasized the government’s commitment to sustainable forest management, stating, "The government has continued to take decisive steps to strengthen forest conservation. One key action is to identify unique forest reserves—especially those rich in biodiversity or providing essential ecological services such as water—and elevate their conservation status."

She also noted that the project responds directly to current environmental challenges. "Despite our success in conserving natural forests, climate change remains a serious threat. Projects like this are critical now more than ever," she said.

The $5.8 million project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in partnership with UNDP, will run for six years from September 2023 to September 2029. It will be implemented in nine forest reserves across five regions: Pwani, Manyara, Lindi, Ruvuma, and Arusha.

The selected reserves include Hassama Hills, Nou, and Mount Hanang in Manyara; Uzigua and Pugu–Kazimzumbwi in Pwani; Pindiro and Rondo in Lindi; Mwambesi in Ruvuma; and Essimingor in Arusha.

Commissioner for Conservation at TFS, Professor Dos Santos Silayo, said the project is the result of five years of planning. 

"Preparations for this initiative began in 2018/19 and continued through 2023/24. It is now the right time to see the project we have worked on jointly being put into action," he said.

"As we launch this project, TFS under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, in collaboration with UNDP, has completed all necessary preparations," he added. 

"We have already begun implementation at full speed with strong support from UNDP and various government partners."

The project will support the construction of forest protection infrastructure, roads, tourism facilities such as rest shelters for visitors, and capacity-building initiatives for local communities. It will also focus on empowering Tanzanian experts to participate in international carbon market discussions.

"This project will enhance collaboration with local communities and investors surrounding forest reserves to develop and implement effective climate adaptation strategies," said Prof. Silayo.

Dr. Chana acknowledged the measurable outcomes from elevating forest protection status, highlighting the growth in ecotourism. "Tourism in these forests has grown from fewer than 10,000 visitors in 2015 to more than 250,000 annually today, generating over TZS 2 billion in revenue," she said.

She credited this progress to high-level leadership and promotional initiatives, particularly those spearheaded by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, including The Royal Tour and Amazing Tanzania documentaries.

In her remarks, Dr. Chana also introduced the National Forest Landscape Restoration Strategy (2023–2033), which guides Tanzania’s commitment under the AFR100 initiative to restore 5.2 million hectares of degraded forests by 2030. "Tanzania is one of 34 African countries participating in the AFR100 initiative, and we are determined to meet our target," she said.

Dr. Chana concluded by urging continued collaboration. "We call on development partners to continue working with us to assess our forests and identify areas that require enhanced protection. Let us ensure this project delivers results that build trust in our ability to manage and implement such initiatives," she said.

The initiative marks a critical step forward in Tanzania’s efforts to safeguard its forest heritage, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen community resilience in the face of climate change.