The Njombe Region has announced a joint strategy with the Office of the Vice President and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to strengthen efforts in preventing and controlling recurring fire disasters that continue to destroy forest plantations and affect livelihoods in rural areas.
Njombe Regional Commissioner Antony Mtaka said the collaboration will focus on improving public awareness, prevention measures, and coordinated response systems to reduce the impact of fires, which have repeatedly caused significant losses in the region’s forestry sector.
He made the remarks on April 27, 2025, while leading participants from government institutions, private sector organizations, and sports groups in a tree-planting exercise under the “27 ya Kijani, Mti wa Mama” campaign held at the Njombe Regional Headquarters.
Mtaka said fire outbreaks remain a serious challenge in plantation areas, particularly during dry seasons, and have affected investors, traders, and residents who depend on forest-related economic activities.
He noted that between 2021 and 2026, fire incidents in Njombe have resulted in losses estimated at more than TZS 200 billion.
He said the situation has prompted the government to strengthen preventive measures through awareness campaigns and closer cooperation with key institutions.
“We are working with the Office of the Vice President and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to develop a strong public education campaign that will help communities understand how to prevent and respond to fire disasters,” Mtaka said.
He added that the regional administration is already working with the Tanzania Fire and Rescue Force and the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) to conduct education programs aimed at reducing human activities that contribute to forest fires.
Mtaka also said Njombe continues to explore sustainable opportunities in the forestry sector, including commercial tree planting initiatives that involve local communities and environmental committees at village level.
The tree-planting exercise brought together sports stakeholders participating in the May Day Games Committee, as part of preparations for the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebrations.
Committee Chairperson Roselyn Massam said sports groups will continue supporting government efforts in environmental conservation through active participation in tree-planting campaigns and public awareness activities.
She said their involvement demonstrates commitment to national environmental goals and supports the directives of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has consistently promoted large-scale tree planting as part of environmental protection and climate resilience.
“The participation of sports stakeholders shows our commitment to protecting the environment and supporting government efforts to ensure a greener future,” she said.
Secretary of the Sports Club from the Office of the Vice President, Marwa Nyaisawa, said the initiative aims to encourage athletes and institutions participating in the May Day Games to adopt tree planting as a long-term culture.
He said the “27 ya Kijani, Mti wa Mama” campaign is designed to strengthen environmental awareness within institutions and surrounding communities.
“We want to build a culture where tree planting becomes part of our daily responsibility at workplaces and in society,” Nyaisawa said.
Chairperson of the Sports Club from the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), Fortunatus Patrick, said the campaign is especially significant as the institution marks 40 years since its establishment.
He said NEMC continues to educate the public on environmental conservation, emphasizing that trees are essential for sustaining life and protecting ecosystems.
“Without trees, there is no life for human beings and other living organisms. That is why we must continue to invest in environmental protection,” he said.
The exercise also involved leaders from the Trade Union Congress of Tanzania (TUCTA), the National May Day Sports Committee, and other stakeholders.
The initiative forms part of preparations for the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebrations, which will be held in Njombe Region under the theme: “Decent Work is a Sustainable Pillar in the Implementation of Vision 2050.”
Authorities say the strengthened collaboration between government institutions, environmental agencies, and community stakeholders will play a key role in reducing fire disasters and promoting sustainable management of forest resources in Njombe.
