The equipment will support the conservation of forest reserves, management of tree estates, and modernization of surveillance and protection efforts.
By VALENTINE OFORO
DODOMA. IN a strategic move to enhance the performance of the country’s forestry sector, the Government of Tanzania has supplied the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) with working equipment valued at over TZS 3.2 billion.
The newly delivered assets include 33 Land Cruiser vehicles, 36 motorcycles, and at least three state-of-the-art drones, all aimed at improving operational efficiency and effectiveness in forest management.
The handover of these vital resources to Tanzania’s state-owned agency responsible for the management of forest and bee resources underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the TFS’s capacity.
The equipment will support the conservation of forest reserves, management of tree estates, and modernization of surveillance and protection efforts.
At a grand handing-over ceremony, the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Ashantu Kijaji, highlighted that this development reflects President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s dedication to advancing the forestry and natural resources sectors.
Minister Kijaji emphasized that President Samia is determined to ensure that TFS is equipped with modern tools incorporating the latest satellite and cloud-connected technologies, positioning the agency to better respond to emerging challenges.
Expressing gratitude during the ceremony, TFS Conservation Commissioner Prof. Dos Santos Silayo thanked President Samia for providing the essential equipment, noting that it will significantly enhance daily operations.
Prof. Silayo explained that the 33 newly acquired Land Cruiser vehicles are tailored to boost TFS’s surveillance and security capabilities across forest reserves and tree estates. Meanwhile, the 36 motorcycles will enable rangers to access remote and challenging terrains where roads are limited.
“One of our key strategies at TFS is to embrace cloud-connected technology. These drones will greatly assist in digitizing our services,” he said.
He further noted that the drones come equipped with advanced security features, enabling comprehensive monitoring. This capability is particularly valuable for combating forest fires and supporting other critical security functions.
This significant investment marks a pivotal step toward modernizing Tanzania’s forest management and safeguarding its natural resources for future generations.
ABOUT TFS
The Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) Agency is a dedicated government institution committed to the sustainable management and conservation of Tanzania’s forest and bee resources. As an executive agency, TFS was established in 2010 to safeguard these vital ecosystems for the benefit of both present and future generations.
Our mission is to harmonize environmental protection with the socio-economic needs of local communities. Through strategic planning and effective implementation of national forestry policies, TFS works tirelessly to combat deforestation, promote reforestation, and encourage responsible forest utilization practices.
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