The Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), in collaboration with eight environmental stakeholders, has conducted a special clean-up operation in the Rau Nature Forest Reserve in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region, removing a total of 155 kilograms of waste that had been threatening the area’s ecosystem.
The clean-up exercise, carried out on March 28, 2026, brought together 52 participants from various institutions and companies, including the Pangani Basin Water Board, Roots & Shoots, and other private sector partners.
The operation focused on collecting waste that had accumulated in the reserve following seasonal floods during the rainy period.
Among the waste removed were plastic bottles, disposable diapers, and plastic bags that had been washed into the forest and its surrounding water sources.
Environmental experts say such waste poses a serious threat to biodiversity and the sustainability of the forest’s natural water systems.
The operation targeted sensitive environmental areas within the reserve, including water sources and key tourism routes.
These areas included Mvuleni, the Masale trail, sections along the river leading to Mvuleni, the Maziwa water source, and the forest’s picnic site.
Conservationists noted that cleaning these critical areas is essential for protecting both the forest’s biodiversity and the water sources that support surrounding communities and ecosystems.
In addition to the clean-up activity, members of the public found in and around the reserve were provided with environmental conservation education.
The awareness campaign focused on encouraging responsible waste disposal and promoting long-term protection of natural forests.
Officials say educating local communities and visitors is a key strategy to ensure Rau Forest remains protected for future generations.
According to Rau Forest Tourism Officer Zayana Mrisho, the clean-up campaign will be conducted regularly as part of a long-term conservation initiative.
She explained that the exercise is expected to take place every month, especially during the rainy season when floods often carry large amounts of waste into the forest reserve.
Environmental stakeholders say the initiative reflects growing national momentum to combat pollution of water sources and the degradation of natural forests.
Such efforts form part of broader strategies aimed at addressing climate change impacts while safeguarding critical natural resources that play a vital role in Tanzania’s environmental sustainability and economic development.
