The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the Loasi Forest Reserve, saying it will not be degazetted for settlement or agricultural expansion, and instead urging surrounding communities to actively participate in conservation efforts while benefiting from environmentally friendly economic activities.
The statement was made in Parliament in Dodoma by the Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hamad Hassan Chande (MP), while responding to a question from MP Ludoviko Kagele, who had sought clarification on whether the Government planned to release parts of the Lwafi Forest Reserve for residents of Kasapa, Kingombe, Mlambo, Kala, and Ng’undwe villages for farming and settlement.
Deputy Minister Chande said the Government’s decision is guided by the need to protect the forest’s vital ecological functions, especially its role as a major water catchment area supporting the Loasi and Nsalamba rivers, which are essential for the livelihoods of surrounding communities.
He explained that the forest is not only a natural resource but also a lifeline for thousands of people, as it ensures the availability of clean water, supports agriculture downstream, and maintains environmental balance across the region.
He further noted that the reserve plays a key role in conserving biodiversity, protecting wildlife habitats, and reducing the impacts of climate change.
The forest also helps minimize human-wildlife conflicts by preserving natural ecosystems that support both people and animals.
In addition, Chande highlighted that water from the forest contributes to downstream ecosystems, including the iconic Kalambo Waterfalls, which supports tourism activities and generates income opportunities for local communities and the national economy.
He emphasized that protecting the forest is directly linked to protecting community livelihoods, noting that environmental degradation would threaten water supply, farming activities, and long-term economic stability.
Instead of encroaching into protected areas, the Government is encouraging citizens to take advantage of conservation-based income opportunities such as beekeeping, eco-tourism services, and other green economy activities that allow communities to earn a living while preserving the environment.
According to him, these activities are practical solutions that empower households economically while ensuring that natural resources are used sustainably for present and future generations.
The Deputy Minister also revealed that in 2023, the Government implemented Cabinet directives through a committee of eight sectoral ministers, resulting in the excision of 10,834 hectares (27,050 acres) from the forest reserve.
The land was allocated to surrounding villages based on assessed needs in order to address long-standing land-use conflicts between communities and conservation authorities.
He said this intervention was aimed at balancing community needs with environmental protection, ensuring that citizens have access to land while safeguarding critical forest ecosystems.
However, he stressed that the remaining forest area must remain fully protected due to its continued importance in sustaining water resources, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
The Loasi Forest Reserve, established under Government Notice No. 346 of 25 October 1957, covers 33,468 hectares and is surrounded by villages including King’ombe, Mlambo, Kilambo cha Mkorechi, and Mpasa.
The Government has called on citizens to see conservation as a shared responsibility and an opportunity for development, urging communities to work together in protecting forests as a foundation for sustainable livelihoods and national prosperity.
