Absa Bank Tanzania, in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Tanzania, has planted 1,300 trees in the Pugu Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve in Kisarawe District as part of activities to mark World Environment Day and strengthen efforts to conserve the environment.
The initiative, carried out over the weekend, brought together Absa employees, WWF representatives, government officials, forestry authorities and other environmental stakeholders in a joint effort to restore one of the country's important forest ecosystems.
Speaking during the tree-planting exercise, Absa Bank Tanzania Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Mr Aron Luhanga, said the project reflects the bank’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community well-being.
He noted that the Pugu Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve plays a critical role in improving air quality and mitigating the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon emissions generated by urban and industrial activities.
“Absa’s purpose is to empower Africa’s tomorrow, together, one story at a time. By planting trees in Pugu Kazimzumbwi Forest, we are contributing to the preservation of a vital natural resource that supports the health and well-being of Dar es Salaam residents through the provision of clean air,” he said.
Mr Luhanga added that the initiative aligns with the bank’s brand promise, Your Story Matters, by supporting communities and creating long-term environmental impact.
“Every Tanzanian story matters to us. Through this partnership with WWF, we are helping create a positive environmental legacy by promoting cleaner air, supporting rainfall patterns, enhancing biodiversity and protecting a natural environment that future generations can enjoy,” he said.
Representing WWF Tanzania Country Director, the organisation’s Head of Finance and Administration, Mr Manyerere Wajama, described the exercise as an important investment in climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.
He said the forest reserve remains a valuable ecological asset that supports local livelihoods while contributing to environmental stability through carbon sequestration and ecosystem protection.
“Our collaboration with Absa Bank is an investment in clean air, biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods. Pugu Kazimzumbwi Forest is an invaluable resource for the people of Kisarawe and neighbouring communities,” he said.
Mr Wajama emphasized that environmental conservation can only succeed through collective action involving government institutions, private sector actors and local communities.
“By planting trees today, we are investing in the future of our children. Conservation efforts require shared responsibility to ensure that these trees survive and continue delivering benefits for generations to come,” he said, while commending Absa Bank for its continued support of environmental initiatives.
Kisarawe District Acting Forest Officer, Mr Idd Mbaruku, said the exercise forms part of broader efforts to restore and protect the Pugu Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve in collaboration with the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS).
He noted that the forest serves not only as an environmental safeguard for Dar es Salaam but also as an important ecological and economic resource for Kisarawe District.
“This forest is often referred to as the lungs of Dar es Salaam because of its ability to absorb pollutants and improve environmental quality. Given its proximity to industrial activities in the city, its conservation remains critical,” he said.
Mr Mbaruku assured stakeholders that government authorities, working alongside local communities, would ensure the newly planted trees are protected and nurtured until maturity.
The tree-planting campaign underscores the growing role of partnerships between the private sector, conservation organisations and public institutions in advancing Tanzania’s environmental sustainability agenda and strengthening resilience against climate change.
