Summary
TFS commitment to adding value to forest products, promoting ecotourism and producing high-quality goods is making a significant contribution to Tanzania’s economic development.
By Valentine Oforo | Dar es Salaam
DEPUTY Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Mr. Hamad Chande, has challenged the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) to intensify efforts to secure both, domestic and international markets for forest products and bee products.
He said that products manufactured by TFS have the potential to compete in international markets and urged the agency to strengthen its marketing strategies with an eye to increase the forestry sector’s contribution to the national economy.
He made the remarks when visited the TFS pavilion at the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF).
The Minister observed that TFS’s commitment to adding value to forest products, promoting ecotourism and producing high-quality goods was making a significant contribution to the country’s economic development.
“I congratulate TFS. The agency is not only focused on forest conservation but is also playing a vital role in boosting the economy through ecotourism, value addition to forest and bee products, and creating new economic opportunities for Tanzanians,” he said.
He also encouraged Tanzanians to embrace a culture of tree planting in order to improve the country’s environmental status,while boosting the economy through diverse ways.
According to the Deputy Minister, restoring indigenous forests is essential for protecting water sources, conserving biodiversity and mitigating the effects of climate change. He called on citizens to actively participate in nationwide tree-planting campaigns.
Chande further cautioned the public against forest fires during the dry season, urging communities to avoid careless burning, refrain from setting farms ablaze without proper precautions, and promptly report any signs of fire outbreaks.
He stressed that protecting the country’s forest resources is a shared responsibility that will safeguard Tanzania’s natural heritage for present and future generations.
