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As Conservation Manager at WWF Tanzania, I am often privileged to participate in national and international forums and conferences addressing various conservation priorities. One of the most notable events I attended recently was the 3rd Annual TAFORI Scientific Conference, held in Arusha, Tanzania, from December 11 to 13, 2024. This conference was jointly organized by the Tanzania Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT) and the Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI).
The conference, held at the Arusha International Conference Center (AICC), focused on the theme, “Restoring Forest Landscapes for Sustainable Development and Climate Change Mitigation.” It aimed to enhance the knowledge and understanding of the landscape restoration concept to conservationists and policy makers in order to accelerate the restoration of degraded landscapes—a cause that aligns perfectly with WWF Tanzania’s mission.
WWF Tanzania’s Role in Resoration The government of Tanzania has pledged to restore 5.2 million hectares of degraded and deforested landscapes by 2030, as part of the African Forest Landscape Restoration (AFR100) Initiative—a global effort to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land in Africa by 2030. WWF Tanzania has always been eager to support such initiatives, both financially and technically, contributing to the improvement of Tanzanians’ livelihoods while mitigating the effects of degradation and climate change. WWF Tanzania has therefore pledged to support the government, committing to restore 2.6 million hectares—half the entire country pledge! Research dissemination plays a vital role in achieving this, as it generates critical information to inform policies and develop technologies that enhance the sustainable management, conservation, and utilization of forest and bee resources. At the 3rd Annual Conference, exhibitions lined the entryway of the venue, providing a platform for stakeholders to showcase innovations, experiences, and resources that advance Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) in Tanzania and beyond. WWF Tanzania was proud to join exhibitors from government agencies such as TAFORI, Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), and Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS); educational institutions like Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA); as well as donors, embassies, and private sector representatives. The event’s Guest of Honor, the Vice President, Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango, represented by the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Honorable Dunstan Kitandula, visited each exhibition upon his arrival at the conference. Each exhibitor, including WWF Tanzania, was granted a five-minute opportunity to present an overview of their contributions to forest landscape restoration. WWF Tanzania Forest Programme Officer James Wumbura represented the organization during the visit, highlighting our forest conservation and sustainable use efforts in the Water Tower and Ruvuma Transboundary Landscapes

WWF Tanzania’s Contributions to the Conference
The conference officially opened with a series of technical presentations, during which WWF Tanzania took center stage. I was privileged and had the honor of delivering a keynote address on Financing Forestry and Beekeeping in Tanzania, following my long experience in forest research and management in the country. This presentation underscored the critical role of sustainable financing mechanisms in scaling up forest landscape restoration efforts and ensuring their long-term success. Furthermore, the paper highlighted the importance and status of forestry and beekeeping financing in Tanzania and a call for action for the government to allocate enough budget for forest landscape restoration.
In addition, East Usambara Forest Landscape Restoration (EUFLR) Project Executant Dr. Thomas Sawe shared WWF Tanzania’s on-the-ground experiences in Forest Landscape Restoration. His presentation illuminated practical strategies and innovations for restoring degraded landscapes, highlighting WWF’s commitment to fostering community-driven and nature-based solutions.
The conference also brought together researchers and stakeholders from beyond Tanzania, including WWF Zambia's Forest Programme Coordinator. This regional collaboration fosters experience sharing and strengthens FLR efforts across borders. Additionally, it contributes to WWF Tanzania's Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) in Africa Initiative—a flagship program aimed at harmonizing restoration efforts across nine countries: Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
A Special Moment of Recognition
One of the most memorable moments of the conference was receiving a gift from TAFORI as a token of appreciation for WWF Tanzania’s unwavering support and collaboration. The award was presented by Honorable Dunstan Kitandula, symbolizing the importance of partnerships in advancing conservation efforts. As an individual, I was presented with a Certificate of Participation in recognition of my contribution to the conference content.
Key Observations and Achievements
The 3rd Annual TAFORI Scientific Conference empowered conservationists with enhanced knowledge and tools to accelerate the restoration of forest and degraded landscapes in a coordinated manner. The conference strengthened the development of nature-based solutions and fostered innovations that promote sustainable development while addressing the pressing challenges of climate change.
As we look ahead, the insights, connections and collaborations forged during this conference will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping Tanzania’s forest landscape restoration initiatives. WWF Tanzania remains committed to working hand in hand with the Government of Tanzania and partners to achieve our shared vision of a sustainable future for our forests and communities