By Our Reporter
Agency (TFS) has received two brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles from the Southern Tanzania Elephant Program (STEP), in a move expected to strengthen patrols and conservation in the Udzungwa and Kilombero forests. The vehicles, worth TZS 323 million, were handed over this morning at STEP offices in Wilolesi, Iringa.
Speaking at the ceremony, TFS Assistant Commissioner for Conservation and Acting Director of Resource Management, Dr. Zainabu Bungwa, said the vehicles will improve access to remote areas and help officers respond faster to threats such as illegal logging, encroachment, and poaching.
“These vehicles are a vital boost for our patrol teams. TFS values the continued support of STEP and other partners, and we will ensure the vehicles are used responsibly and maintained well,” Dr. Bungwa said.
STEP Executive Director Frank Lihwa said the donation is part of long-term conservation efforts that began in 2016/17.
These initiatives have included training Village Natural Resource Committees, Village Game Scouts, and forest rangers, as well as supplying drones, cameras, and communication tools.
“With these vehicles, our teams can respond quickly to emerging threats and improve forest monitoring,” Lihwa said.
Dr. Bungwa highlighted the importance of the Udzungwa forests as hubs of biodiversity and key sources of water for the Mwalimu Nyerere Dam, while noting that illegal activities continue to pose challenges.
The Udzungwa Landscape Strategy (ULS) is a 20-year program implemented by STEP, MACCO, TFS, and TANAPA, with support from the Hempel Foundation and the Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation. It focuses on forest protection, community engagement, and biodiversity conservation.
TFS also called on stakeholders to extend similar support to other threatened forest areas, including Rungwe, Kalambo, Njombe, and Mbeya.
The agency expressed gratitude to President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for her leadership in promoting environmental conservation across Tanzania.