The Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) has been awarded the 2025 Best Tree Planting Campaign Award in recognition of its outstanding efforts in promoting tree planting, distributing seedlings, and educating the public on environmental conservation.
The award was presented by the Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango, during the national celebration of World Environment Day held on June 5, 2025, at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre in Dodoma.
Speaking after receiving the award, TFS Conservation Commissioner, Professor Dos Santos Silayo, described the recognition as a testament to the agency’s tireless commitment to environmental sustainability, working closely with national and community-level stakeholders.
“This award affirms the crucial role TFS plays in distributing seedlings, facilitating tree planting, and offering environmental education. It inspires us to expand our outreach, sharing knowledge about ideal tree species, suitable planting zones, and effective forest management techniques with even more Tanzanians,” Prof. Silayo stated.
He highlighted TFS’s use of modern technology, including satellite monitoring and drone surveillance, to enhance forest patrols and streamline conservation efforts.
“We’ve adopted state-of-the-art patrol systems that provide real-time data. Technologies like drones and satellite imagery have significantly improved forest protection boosting efficiency while cutting operational costs,” he noted.
Prof. Silayo emphasized that TFS’s achievements are the result of strong partnerships with government institutions, local communities, and environmental ambassadors supported under the Vice President’s Office.
“From seed production to tree planting, we collaborate with a wide network of partners to ensure our environmental education and tree planting campaigns are inclusive and sustainable,” he said.
Despite facing challenges such as climate change and environmental degradation, Prof. Silayo noted that Tanzania ranks second in Africa after Brazil in biodiversity richness.
“We acknowledge the challenges, but strategic government interventions especially investments in clean energy are yielding promising outcomes. The shift toward clean cooking energy is helping to reduce reliance on firewood and charcoal,” he added.
He urged all Tanzanians, institutions, and organizations to take part in the country’s reforestation and conservation efforts, stressing that environmental protection is a shared responsibility.
“Everyone has a role in safeguarding our environment. We’re grateful to the media for their educational efforts and encourage them to continue spreading awareness. Together, we can build a greener, more sustainable Tanzania for current and future generations.”
In his keynote address, Vice President Dr. Mpango called on Tanzanians to take immediate responsibility by reducing litter, protecting water sources, and transitioning to clean cooking energy to curb deforestation.
He warned that environmental pollution, overdependence on wood fuels, and uncontrolled plastic use are major drivers of climate change and biodiversity loss in the country.
“The government has already banned plastic bags and is enforcing a directive requiring institutions that serve 100 or more people daily to switch to clean energy sources. So far, 762 institutions have adopted natural gas, electricity, or biogas. This is a very encouraging step,” said Dr. Mpango.
He congratulated the award winners and applauded environmental stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and the media for their continued efforts in promoting tree planting and reducing plastic waste.
“If we work together, we can leave behind a lasting environmental legacy for future generations,” he concluded.
