The Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) has been urged to strengthen public awareness campaigns on environmental conservation as part of efforts to curb illegal logging, protect water sources and restore degraded ecosystems.
Morogoro Regional Commissioner Adam Malima made the call during the 2026 Nanenane Agricultural Exhibition for the Eastern Zone, currently taking place in Morogoro Region.
He said sustained environmental education was essential in encouraging communities to adopt responsible land-use practices and participate in reforestation programmes aimed at reversing the effects of environmental degradation.
Mr Malima underscored the need for closer collaboration between TFS, local government authorities and other stakeholders to restore natural vegetation and safeguard forest resources.
He also encouraged citizens to plant more trees, including fruit trees and high-value crops such as cloves, noting that such initiatives not only generate household income but also contribute to environmental conservation and the protection of water catchment areas.
“Partnerships between TFS, local councils and environmental stakeholders are critical in ensuring the restoration of natural vegetation and the sustainable management of forest resources for the benefit of current and future generations,” he said.
TFS Eastern Zone Commander Mathew Ntilicha said the agency remains focused on protecting forest reserves, combating illegal harvesting of forest products and promoting sustainable forest management across the country.
He said TFS continues to implement programmes aimed at increasing tree planting, rehabilitating degraded landscapes and raising public awareness about the importance of conserving forests and other natural resources.
According to Mr Ntilicha, the agency will continue working with local authorities and development partners to advance the national agenda of restoring forest cover and strengthening environmental resilience.
He added that safeguarding forest resources is essential not only for biodiversity conservation but also for ensuring long-term water security and sustainable economic development.
