Tanzania Takes Action on International Day of Forests: A Commitment to Sustainable Forestry and Food Security
Date
March 25, 2025
In the lush, green expanse of Njombe, Tanzania joined the global community in celebrating the International Day of Forests (IDF) on March 21, 2025. This global event, recognized annually since 2012, underscores the essential role forests play in supporting ecosystems, ensuring food security, and enhancing climate resilience. Forests are not only vital for biodiversity but are also key to the health of the planet’s agricultural systems and the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. Held from March 18 to 21, the event brought together a diverse group of participants, including government officials, conservationists, environmental researchers, and local community members. This year marked the third consecutive time that Tanzania hosted IDF, having previously celebrated in Magu (2023) and Same (2024). These recurring celebrations reflect the country’s deepening commitment to promoting sustainable forestry practices across the region.
Showcasing the Value of Forests
Organized by Tanzania’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, this year’s theme, “Forests and Food,” highlighted how forests contribute to agriculture, food security, and climate adaptation. The opening exhibition at Sababa Ground displayed a variety of forest-based products, including medicinal plants, honey, timber, essential oils, and paper, demonstrating the intersection of conservation and economic development. Notable participants included the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), and financial institutions such as CRDB, NBC, and NMB, whose involvement underscored the potential of forest-related industries to drive both economic and environmental growth.
National Commitment to Forest Conservation
On March 21, Prime Minister Hon. Kassim Majaliwa reaffirmed Tanzania’s unwavering commitment to sustainable forestry, launching an ambitious tree-planting initiative ahead of April 1, a widely recognized tree-planting day in the country. The initiative aims to restore degraded landscapes and combat deforestation, with a target of planting over 1 million trees this year. Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Hon. Pindi Chana, joined the Prime Minister and other delegates in a large-scale tree-planting effort, underscoring the collective responsibility of the government, communities, and environmental organizations in protecting Tanzania’s forests. Their participation highlighted the urgency of scaling up reforestation efforts as a key strategy for climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and food security.
Vi Agroforestry’s Role in Forest Conservation and Sustainable Land Management
Vi Agroforestry is at the forefront of forest conservation, promoting agroforestry and Sustainable Agricultural Land Management (SALM) to create a balance between productive farming and environmental sustainability. By integrating trees into farming systems, agroforestry enhances soil fertility, conserves water, and builds resilience to climate change. These practices not only boost agricultural productivity but also help restore forests by reducing the demand for natural woodlands.
Speaking at the International Day of Forests, Vi Agroforestry representatives Khalid Ngassa and Rashid Malya emphasized how agroforestry supports sustainable land use and forest protection. At the regional level, Vi Agroforestry has been scaling up these efforts through webinars on SALM and its newly launched Training Series, which brings together experts and farmers to share practical solutions for restoring degraded landscapes. By expanding these initiatives, Vi Agroforestry is strengthening forest conservation while securing sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers.
Forests: Essential for Food Security
Forests are foundational to food security, providing vital ecosystem services such as:
- Fertile soils that support crops, supply medicinal resources, and regulate the climate. Fertile soils necessary for crop production
- Regulated water cycles that support agricultural systems
- Habitats for pollinators and beneficial organisms
Farmers and environmental groups shared success stories of how agroforestry has revived degraded lands, boosted agricultural yields, and diversified household incomes. However, challenges such as illegal logging and land encroachment were also discussed, underscoring the need for stronger policies and effective enforcement.
From Dialogue to Action
The event was not just a forum for discussion but a catalyst for action. Key commitments included:
- Expanding tree-planting efforts in schools, villages, and farms
- Strengthening enforcement against illegal logging
- Promoting agroforestry and climate-smart agriculture
- Enhancing collaboration between the government, the private sector, local communities and civil societies.
Njombe was a key example of community-driven reforestation efforts, with local farmers showcasing how tree-based agriculture has restored soils and increased food production. These real-world examples demonstrated the power of sustainable land management practices in addressing food insecurity and climate change.
A Call to Action
As the celebrations came to an end, one message rang out loud and clear: forest conservation is a necessity, not a choice. The trees planted during IDF 2025 will grow into thriving forests, contributing to carbon sequestration, preserving biodiversity, and enhancing resilience against climate change.
Prime Minister Majaliwa urged the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to continue the nationwide tree planting programs, invest in forest fire prevention, and accelerate the development of policies surrounding carbon markets. He emphasized the importance of addressing barriers to private-sector investment in carbon trading to ensure that sustainable forestry remains central to Tanzania’s environmental and economic future.
Tanzania’s active participation in the International Day of Forests is a testament to its leadership in advancing sustainable forestry practices and food security. By planting trees today, Tanzania is laying the foundation for a greener, more resilient future-one in which forests continue to play a vital role in both the well-being of the nation and the health of the planet.
Authors: Khalid Ngassa, Dr. Monica Nderitu and David Maeri