Tabora, March 3, 2025 – Dr. Abel Masota, the Deputy Commissioner of Conservation at the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS), representing the Commissioner of Conservation, emphasized the critical role of participatory management in conserving the Miombo woodlands of dryland areas to ensure the sustainable use of forest and land resources across the country.
Speaking at the Expert Committee meeting for the Integrated Landscape Management in the Dry Miombo Woodlands of Tanzania project, held at the JM Hotel conference hall in Tabora, Dr. Masota highlighted both the achievements and future expectations of the project.
This project, which is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is a collaborative effort between the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Tanzania Forest Services.
Its primary objective is to address land degradation and biodiversity loss in the regions of Tabora (Kaliua, Sikonge, Urambo) and Katavi (Mlele).
With a budget of $6.87 million, the five-year project (2023-2027) is expected to deliver significant improvements in land use management and forest conservation.
“Our goal is to ensure the protection and sustainable management of Miombo forests through the active participation of all stakeholders, including the local communities.
Through this project, we aim to reduce land degradation and strengthen the conservation of forest resources for the benefit of both present and future generations,” Dr. Masota said.
He also outlined the project's key achievements since its inception, such as national training programs on best practices to combat land degradation, the acquisition of tools for conservation project implementation, and the establishment of land use plans in 14 villages across Tabora and Katavi.
Furthermore, the project has helped build the capacity of professionals in the forestry, agriculture, livestock, and water sectors, while also providing customary land titles to villages involved in forest conservation, reinforcing the sustainable management of natural resources.
Dr. Masota further urged the scaling up of forest conservation efforts, particularly through opportunities like beekeeping, clean energy, and ecotourism, all of which can help reduce communities’ dependence on forest resources in a sustainable way.
“Collaboration between the government, international organizations, and local communities is key to the success of this project.
We must align with and support the vision of His Excellency President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan to enhance forest conservation and promote sustainable development across the country,” Dr. Masota concluded.
Mr. Jonathan Sawaya, Project Coordinator from FAO, expressed his gratitude for the strong engagement shown by leaders from the Vice President’s Office - TAMISEMI, Tanzania Forest Services (TFS), and stakeholders from the agriculture, livestock, and water sectors.
He noted that the project is highly participatory, with Tanzania taking the lead in beekeeping, a field in which other countries are looking to Tanzania as a model.
He also emphasized that the land use planning initiative is another area where Tanzania is setting an example, encouraging stakeholders to use this meeting to discuss technical issues that will drive the success of the project’s goals.