Tabora, Tanzania – The government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, has reiterated the importance of participatory forest management in tackling environmental degradation and biodiversity loss in the Miombo woodlands.

This commitment was highlighted during the second Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting of the Drylands Sustainable Landscape Impact Program (DSL-IP), held on March 4, 2025, at JM Hotel in Tabora.

Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Hassan Abbasi, the ministry’s Director of Administration and Human Resource Management, Bernard Marcelline, emphasized that the project is part of national and international efforts to protect the environment through integrated landscape management approaches.

"This project is implemented in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The implementation covers the Tabora and Katavi regions, with over TZS 2.2 billion already received for the first phase," said Marcelline.

He stressed that the PSC has a crucial role in ensuring the project is executed effectively and meets its objectives. He also called for the involvement of all stakeholders, including local communities, to ensure sustainable conservation of the Miombo woodlands for the benefit of present and future generations.

FAO PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR REGIONAL CONSERVATION EFFORTS

FAO Representative in Tanzania, Dr. Nyabenyi Tipo, highlighted that the project is part of a broader sustainable environmental management initiative involving 11 countries, including Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya, Burkina Faso, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan.

"Globally, approximately 7.3 million hectares of forests are lost annually, with Tanzania losing over 469,420 hectares each year. Through this program, FAO is committed to supporting environmental conservation efforts by promoting sustainable landscape management approaches," she stated.

Dr. Tipo noted that Tanzania plays a vital role in this initiative, particularly in promoting sustainable beekeeping production. FAO has already disbursed USD 883,640, representing 13% of the total USD 6.8 million earmarked for release between 2023 and 2027.

"I urge all stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of this project to ensure it delivers meaningful and timely outcomes," she added.

She also commended the Tanzanian government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and the Tanzania Forestry Services (TFS), for their commitment to implementing the project under the Operational Partners Agreement (OPA).

"This project aligns with FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-2031, which supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As we mark FAO’s 80th anniversary this year, we have a unique opportunity to drive transformative change in food systems and environmental conservation,” she emphasized.

Dr. Tipo concluded by expressing her appreciation to Prof. Dos Santos Silayo, the Project Management Unit (PMU), and all stakeholders for their dedication to the project's success. She expressed optimism that the meeting would provide strategic direction for advancing conservation efforts.

Following the meeting, Dr. Tipo is scheduled to visit the Beekeeping Training Institute, the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), and beekeeping groups in Sikonge District as part of an assessment of conservation-related initiatives.