Tanzania is promoting sustainable beekeeping as an alternative source of income for rural communities to reduce pressure on dryland forests, as the country steps up efforts to link environmental conservation with livelihoods.
The approach was showcased by the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) at the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31) in Antalya, where countries are discussing strategies to address climate change.
Presenting a paper titled Dryland Forest Conservation through Sustainable Beekeeping, TFS Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioner Fandey H. Mashimba said forest-based beekeeping was giving communities an economic reason to protect trees rather than engage in activities that contribute to forest degradation.
The presentation was made during a technical session organised in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the Turkish government to share experiences on the conservation and restoration of dryland ecosystems.
Tanzania cited interventions under the Dryland Miombo Forest Integrated Management Project (DSL-IP), which combines beekeeping, tree planting and cleaner household energy to reduce pressure on forest resources.
Through the project, 500 beehives have been distributed to communities, while eight tree nurseries have been established with the capacity to produce approximately four million seedlings of fruit, shade and timber trees.
Another 600 energy-efficient stoves have been distributed to encourage cleaner cooking and reduce dependence on firewood and charcoal, two major sources of pressure on forest resources.
The project has also invested in infrastructure for producing and processing quality tree seeds, including facilities and equipment at tree seed centres in Kaliua, Tabora Region, and Shinyanga.
These investments are expected to strengthen the supply of quality seeds for tree planting and forest restoration, supporting efforts to improve the condition of degraded landscapes.
Implemented in Kaliua, Urambo and Sikonge districts in Tabora Region and Mlele District in Katavi Region, the project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF-7) in collaboration with FAO.
Its approach is to make forest conservation economically meaningful to communities by connecting environmental protection with income-generating activities.
Besides beekeeping, the project supports agroforestry, tree seed production and the development of value chains for forest products, creating opportunities for communities to benefit from natural resources without undermining their sustainability.
The initiative highlights the importance of addressing the economic needs of communities living around forests if conservation efforts are to deliver lasting results.
TFS's participation in COP31 is part of Tanzania's efforts to present its conservation experience to the international community, exchange knowledge and strengthen partnerships in tackling climate change.