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Breathing Life into the Lungs of Dar es Salaam

The Pugu-Kazimzumbwi and Ruvu-South Forest Reserves, located in Kibaha and Kisarawe districts, are often called “the lungs of Dar es Salaam.” These coastal forests are essential for absorbing carbon dioxide, regulating temperatures, and maintaining water cycles that sustain Dar es Salaam’s urban and rural communities.

Despite their immense ecological and economic value, these forests face increasing threats from deforestation, land degradation, and unsustainable practices. Protecting them is critical for climate change mitigation, biodiversity preservation, and supporting the livelihoods of surrounding communities.

To address these challenges, WWF-Tanzania, with support from WWF-Switzerland, is implementing a transformative two-year Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) Project. The initiative aims to enhance forest management, engage communities in conservation, and provide sustainable livelihood opportunities for project village members.

As part of this initiative, a Community Awareness Campaign was launched under the theme “Tumerithi, Tuwarithishe” (We’ve inherited, let’s preserve). The campaign focused on strengthening local commitment to forest restoration in project villages across Kibaha and Kisarawe districts. Led by Village Natural Resources Committees (VNRCs), in collaboration with the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) and local government authorities, the campaign delivered critical messages about sustainable forest management and community ownership.

Highlights from the Campaign 

The campaign featured village meetings and discussions facilitated by a Forest Extension Expert from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT). These sessions highlighted the threats of deforestation and the importance of sustainable livelihoods. Community members were then invited to share insights and experiences on the sustainable use and management of both the reserves and their Village Land Forest Reserves (VLFRs), fostering a sense of shared responsibility. 

“We are all custodians and cannot ensure we will pass on our precious forest resources to future generations without the community.” – Abdul-Kassim Mohammed, Kipangege Village Chairperson.

“We have been working directly with VNRCs, but our goal is to collaborate with the entire community. Firewood is not the problem. The real threat is charcoal production, forest fires, and expansion of agriculture activities.” – Gelwada Kika, WWF Forest Project Assistant.

A Call for Opportunities

Community members highlighted, during the campaign event, the urgent need for youth employment opportunities to prevent destructive activities such as charcoal production and transportation. They called on WWF Tanzania, the government, and stakeholders to promote alternative livelihoods such as engagement in beekeeping and chicken farming. They also shared their readiness to adopt the use of energy-efficient stoves in their households, schools and other areas to reduce reliance on forest resources.

The implementation of the awareness campaign coincided with the introduction of newly-elected village governments, symbolizing a renewed era of collaboration and collective action for conservation. This pivotal moment brought together community members, leaders, and conservation partners to strengthen the shared vision of restoring degraded landscapes and sustaining livelihoods.

Together, we can protect Tanzania’s forests, support communities, and build a greener, more resilient future!

© Egno Ndunguru
Awareness campaign