The Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr. Pindi Chana (MP), has officially launched the National Forest Advisory Committee (NAFAC) to tackle key challenges in the forestry sector, including illegal encroachment and deforestation.
Speaking today, March 10, 2025, at Sunset Hotel in Iringa, Chana outlined the committee’s mandate.
“The committee will advise the minister on forest leasing, conservation policies, protected forest management, and any other issues requiring attention,” she said.
She emphasized the economic value of forests, noting that they contribute 3.5 percent to the GDP and 10 percent to export trade.
“The sector provides about three million informal jobs and supplies over 75 percent of the country’s building materials,” she added.
Beyond the economy, Chana highlighted the environmental benefits of forests, including their role in climate regulation, biodiversity conservation, and water resource protection.
However, she pointed out major threats, including illegal logging, land-use changes for settlements and farming, wildfires, invasive species, and the widespread use of charcoal and firewood for cooking.
“We are losing an estimated 462,000 hectares of forest every year, which disrupts rainfall patterns and agricultural seasons,” she warned.
To address these challenges, NAFAC will guide national forest management strategies and explore opportunities like carbon trading.
Prof. Jumanne Maghembe, the committee’s chairperson and former Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, expressed gratitude for the appointment.
“We are ready to take on this task, especially as the government pushes for clean energy alternatives to reduce charcoal dependency,” he said.
Representing the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Administration and Human Resources, Bernard Marcelline, praised the committee’s expertise. “You are a strong team committed to protecting and developing Tanzania’s forest resources,” he said.
The launch event brought together government officials, religious leaders, and forestry stakeholders from Iringa Region.