The Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), through its Bagamoyo District office, has joined nationwide efforts to restore the environment by taking part in the official launch of Tree Planting Day.
Held at the livestock auction site in Zinga kwa Mtoro Ward, the event saw TFS distribute over 500 indigenous tree seedlings and participate in a large-scale tree planting exercise.
This initiative aligns with the directive issued by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, which calls for the annual planting of 1.5 million trees as part of broader national efforts to tackle climate change and revive the country’s natural vegetation.
Speaking during the launch, Acting District Executive Director of Bagamoyo, Ms. Stellah Msofe, called on government institutions, private sector organizations, and communities to prioritize environmental conservation by investing time and resources into tree planting.
“This area was specifically chosen due to the extensive environmental degradation caused by activities such as sand mining. Through these efforts, we are working to restore the natural vegetation and improve the climate,” she said.
Ms. Msofe also highlighted the importance of maintaining the momentum of tree planting beyond symbolic events, urging all stakeholders to turn the campaign into a continuous practice.
The Acting Director of Bagamoyo District Council noted that more than 700,000 seedlings have already been planted across the district. He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to achieving the government’s annual target of 1.5 million trees.
Meanwhile, Bagamoyo District Forest Officer, Mr. Hamis Ghaji, encouraged residents to take advantage of the rainy season by collecting free seedlings from TFS offices and planting them in their homes, farms, and public spaces.
“This is the perfect season for planting. We urge everyone to take part and care for the seedlings to ensure they survive and thrive,” he said.
The theme for this year’s Tree Planting Day was: “Enhance the value of forest products for the sustainability of the current and future generations.”
The event served not only as a tree-planting exercise but also as a platform to raise awareness of the critical role forests play in preserving biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, and mitigating the effects of climate change.
