Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi has launched the 2026 national tree planting campaign while warning that Tanzania continues to lose forests at an alarming rate of about 460,400 hectares annually.
Speaking during the launch of activities to mark the International Day of Forests at Ilulu Grounds in Lindi on March 19, Nchimbi said forests remain a key pillar of the country’s economy and environmental sustainability, calling on citizens to take urgent steps to protect the vital resource.
He said the forestry sector contributes about 3.5 percent to the national economy, but the value rises to nearly 20 percent when ecosystem services that are not priced in markets are taken into account.
“Today we launch the national tree planting campaign to raise awareness and encourage citizens to plant and care for trees. We cannot continue tolerating the loss of our forests,” he said.
Nchimbi noted that Tanzania has about 48.1 million hectares of forest, equivalent to roughly 55 percent of the country’s total land area, but a large portion of it is under threat from human activities such as encroachment, wildfires, uncontrolled grazing and heavy dependence on firewood and charcoal.
He said the campaign is part of efforts to implement the environmental agenda championed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan under the “Green Tanzania” vision, noting that more than 113 million trees have been planted across the country since 2023.
The Vice President directed regional and district leaders to ensure effective implementation of tree planting programmes that reflect the ecological conditions of their areas, while strengthening public education and community participation in managing village forests.
He also instructed the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and the Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI) to intensify research aimed at addressing challenges facing tree growers and identifying appropriate tree species for different parts of the country.
At the same time, he directed the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) to expand the production of tree seedlings and strengthen nurseries to ensure that quality seedlings are available to wananchi across the country.
During the event, Nchimbi also directed the Ministry of Energy to speed up the extension of the national electricity grid to Lindi and Mtwara regions, describing the project as a priority directive from the government.
“The minister responsible must ensure this matter is implemented quickly as directed by the President,” he said.
Earlier, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Ashatu Kijaji said Lindi is endowed with extensive forest resources, including mangrove ecosystems and miombo woodlands, adding that the commemoration provides an opportunity to strengthen conservation awareness.
Lindi Regional Commissioner Zainab Telack said more than 1.058 million hectares of forest in the region have been legally protected.
She added that village forests are contributing to local development by generating more than Sh3.2 billion annually.
She said the region has planted 5.7 million trees during the 2024/25 season, equivalent to 64 percent of the target, with about 88 percent of the planted trees surviving.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Lands, Natural Resources and Tourism, Timotheo Mzava, said Parliament will continue to support the government in strengthening policies and strategies for forest conservation.
“We will ensure the government fulfills its policy, legal and budget responsibilities in protecting the country’s forests,” he said.
This year’s celebrations are held under the theme “Forests for a Sustainable Economy: Conserve Them for National Development,” with activities expected to climax on March 21 through nationwide tree planting campaigns aimed at increasing forest cover and protecting the environment for future generations.
