Tanzania’s forest tourism sector has recorded significant growth, with the number of visitors to forest reserves increasing from fewer than 200 in 2015 to more than 390,000 annually, partly due to projects supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The growth highlights Tanzania’s efforts to diversify its tourism industry beyond wildlife safaris, create new economic opportunities and ensure that the country’s natural resources benefit citizens while remaining protected for future generations.
Speaking during national consultations on the ninth phase of GEF funding (GEF-9), Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) Senior Conservator Yusuph Tango said support from the fund had contributed to improved forest management and the development of tourism activities in natural forest reserves.
Tango, who also coordinates the GEF-8-funded NETZERO project, said forest tourism was still at an early stage in 2015, when fewer than 200 tourists visited forest reserves annually, despite Tanzania’s international reputation as a leading wildlife tourism destination.
He explained that improved management and the recognition of selected areas as natural forest reserves had opened up opportunities to promote tourism while conserving biodiversity.
The expansion of forest tourism offers Tanzania an opportunity to attract more visitors, diversify tourism products and increase revenue from natural resources.
It could also create opportunities for communities, particularly those living near forest reserves, through tourism-related businesses, employment and other income-generating activities.
Tango said TFS had benefited from GEF support since 2007 through several funding cycles, including GEF-4, GEF-5 and GEF-6.
The agency is now exploring further opportunities under GEF-9 to strengthen forest conservation and expand tourism in forest and bee reserves.
He stressed the need for government institutions and other stakeholders to work together in preparing project proposals that reflect Tanzania’s environmental priorities and meet GEF funding requirements.
According to Tango, additional funding could strengthen conservation efforts while increasing the contribution of forests and bee resources to national development.
The GEF-9 consultations provide an opportunity for stakeholders to review lessons from previous projects, identify funding opportunities and establish priorities for new environmental initiatives.
The discussions focus on addressing key challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation and pollution.
For Tanzania, the next phase of GEF funding presents an opportunity to build on the progress already made, strengthen the protection of natural resources and expand sustainable tourism opportunities that can contribute to economic growth and improve livelihoods.
The ultimate goal is to ensure that forest conservation goes hand in hand with development, enabling citizens to benefit from the country’s natural wealth without compromising its sustainability.