By Our ReporterThe Sao Hill Forest Plantation, managed by the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), has been acknowledged as a key player in promoting forest conservation and beekeeping in Mufindi District.
Its forestry and apiculture initiatives have made it a model for sustainable development and environmental management.
Speaking ahead of a study tour scheduled for tomorrow, Chato District Commissioner Louis Peter Bura noted that the visit aims to learn from Mufindi District’s success in conservation, which has been significantly enhanced by the Sao Hill Forest Plantation.
"The production of forest products has greatly contributed to development in Mufindi District, with a significant portion of revenue generated through taxes collected from forestry activities.
We aim to learn how we can achieve similar benefits in our district," said Hon. Bura.
Welcoming the delegation, TFS Conservation Commissioner Prof. Dos Santos Silayo highlighted the plantation’s role as a leading example of effective conservation.
He emphasized its success in establishing forest plantations across the country, which has delivered economic and environmental benefits and inspired development in other regions.
"The plantation has been instrumental in supporting industrial investments by supplying raw materials for forest product manufacturing.
This has boosted revenue for district councils, regions, and the nation as a whole," Prof. Silayo added.
Mufindi District Executive Officer Mr. Reuben Chongolo mentioned that the Chato leaders will visit the plantation to observe tree planting efforts and forest product processing activities in local industries.
The two-day tour will bring together leaders from Chato District Council, officials from Mufindi District, conservation officers from Sao Hill Forest Plantation, and representatives of the Sao Hill Plantation Harvesters' Union. It is set to begin on January 12, 2025.
