Morogoro Regional Commissioner Adam Malima has called for stronger cooperation between the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), local government authorities and environmental stakeholders to accelerate efforts to restore degraded ecosystems and protect the country’s forest resources.
Speaking during a visit to the TFS pavilion at the 2026 Nane Nane Agricultural Exhibition for the Eastern Zone in Morogoro, Mr Malima said coordinated action is needed to address growing environmental challenges, including deforestation, destruction of water catchment areas and the loss of natural vegetation.
He noted that restoring forests and natural vegetation is not only important for environmental conservation but also for protecting livelihoods that depend on reliable water sources, agriculture and other natural resources.
Mr Malima said local councils and environmental institutions should work closely with communities to promote tree planting and sustainable land management practices that can help reverse environmental degradation.
He also encouraged greater participation in the planting of fruit trees and high-value spice crops such as cloves, saying the approach can generate income for households while contributing to environmental conservation.
“Environmental protection and economic development can go hand in hand. Communities should be encouraged to plant trees that improve incomes while helping to conserve water sources and ecosystems,” he said.
TFS Eastern Zone Commander SACC Matthew Ntilicha said the agency is continuing efforts to protect forest reserves, curb illegal harvesting of forest products and support the restoration of degraded land through tree-planting programmes.
He said TFS is also expanding public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the importance of sustainable forest management and responsible use of natural resources.
According to Mr Ntilicha, partnerships with local authorities and other stakeholders remain critical in achieving national conservation goals and ensuring forest resources continue to support economic and environmental sustainability.
Tanzania has in recent years intensified afforestation and environmental restoration programmes as part of broader efforts to combat climate change, protect biodiversity and safeguard water catchments that are vital for agriculture, energy production and domestic use.
The call for stronger collaboration comes as authorities seek to balance environmental conservation with growing demand for land and natural resources, particularly in areas experiencing rapid population growth and agricultural expansion.
