Dodoma. Tanzania’s forest cover loss rose sharply by 25.9 percent within two years, prompting the government to order tougher and more coordinated action to halt the destruction.
New figures show that the annual loss of tree-covered land increased from 372,816 hectares in 2015 to 469,420 hectares in 2017.
The trend has raised fresh concerns over environmental sustainability, water security and the long-term wellbeing of communities.
The Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, said the data underscored the urgency of decisive intervention.
She directed the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) Agency to intensify its campaign against forest degradation.
Dr Kijaji issued the directive on Friday in Dodoma during the launch of the fifth TFS Advisory Board.
She warned that continued forest loss posed a direct threat to ecosystems, economic development and future generations.
She said Tanzania was endowed with vast forest resources and rich beekeeping potential, both of which were central to sustainable development.
However, she noted that the pace of destruction remained alarmingly high.
“The rising loss of forest cover demands immediate and collective action. We cannot afford to delay,” she said.
The minister called on TFS, under the guidance of the new board, to strengthen forest protection efforts in close collaboration with all relevant authorities.
These include the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government, conservation area managers and communities living around forest reserves.
She said the partnership approach was essential to curb illegal logging, uncontrolled charcoal production and encroachment into protected areas.
Dr Kijaji also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to invest in modern forest monitoring technologies.
She said enhanced patrols and public awareness campaigns would remain central to the strategy to safeguard natural resources.
“Technology, law enforcement and public education must move together if we are to achieve sustainable forest management,” she said.
She added that environmental conservation was critical to securing water sources, maintaining biodiversity and supporting climate resilience across the country.
The Chairperson of the TFS Advisory Board, retired Lieutenant Chiku Galawa, said the board was fully prepared to work closely with government institutions, the private sector and development partners to protect forests and water catchment areas.
She said the board would ensure that forest harvesting activities complied strictly with existing laws and regulations.
“Our priority is to oversee the implementation of conservation strategies, strengthen transparency and accountability, and mobilise citizens to take part in tree planting and forest protection,” Ms Galawa said.
She stressed that public participation was vital to ensuring lasting protection of forest resources for the benefit of both current and future generations.
The launch of the new board comes at a time when Tanzania is grappling with increasing pressure on its natural resources driven by population growth, urbanisation and rising demand for energy.
Officials say decisive leadership, effective coordination and sustained public engagement will be critical in reversing the current trend and restoring the country’s forest cover.
