The government has commended the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) for its commitment to environmental conservation and promotion of eco-tourism at the West Kilimanjaro Forest Plantation, describing the site as a model for sustainable resource management and economic contribution.
Speaking during an official visit to the plantation on July 12, 2025, the Assistant Director for Non-Commercial Public Entities from the Treasury Registrar’s Office, Mr. Joseph Mwaisemba, praised TFS for its effective oversight of forest resources and growing revenue generation.
“I am pleased with what I’ve witnessed here. The level of commitment in forest management and eco-tourism development reflects the government’s vision of turning natural resources into sustainable economic assets,” said Mr. Mwaisemba.
He was accompanied by a delegation from both the Treasury Registrar’s Office and TFS headquarters, led by the Senior Assistant Commissioner and Chief Accountant of TFS.
The team was welcomed by the plantation’s Chief Conservator, Mr. Robert Faida, who took them through various operations including forest conservation efforts, ongoing tourism initiatives, and inspection of a new administration building under construction.
According to Mr. Mwaisemba, the plantation has made impressive strides in revenue collection for the 2024/2025 financial year, with expectations set even higher for 2025/2026.
“Such performance shows that with the right strategy and accountability, public agencies can generate significant returns while preserving natural ecosystems,” he noted.
The West Kilimanjaro Forest Plantation is one of Tanzania’s largest forest assets managed by TFS. It spans thousands of hectares, playing a critical role in timber production, climate regulation, and nature-based tourism.
TFS Northern Zone Commander and Senior Assistant Commissioner for Conservation, Mr. James Nshare, highlighted new projects that are broadening the agency’s income base, including resin tapping and carbon credit trading.
“These projects aim to increase local revenue, provide employment to surrounding communities, and amplify the forest sector’s contribution to national GDP. Infrastructure upgrades currently underway will also boost staff efficiency and attract more eco-tourists,” said Mr. Nshare.
Eco-tourism in Tanzania is gaining momentum, and forest plantations like West Kilimanjaro are now being positioned not only as conservation hubs but as destinations for sustainable tourism, offering both ecological and economic benefits.
With the sixth-phase government prioritizing the green economy and environmental sustainability, the success of such plantations demonstrates how responsible natural resource stewardship can serve as a pillar for national development.