Highlight on the International Forest Day Commemoration
Forests are not only vital for biodiversity but also play a fundamental role in ensuring food security, supporting indigenous practices, and mitigating climate change. The International Forest Day is celebrated on 21 March each year, a global initiative to highlight the importance of these ecosystems in the fight against climate change and to warn of the danger of their degradation as established by resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on November 28, 2012.
From March 18th to 21st, 2025, Climate Action Network (CAN) Tanzania, in collaboration with the University of Oldenburg (UOI), participated in the National Forest Day Event in Njombe District at Sabasaba grounds. The event, organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, was held under the global motto "Forest and Food." and with the national motto calling for forest products value addition for sustainable development of current and future generations.
CAN Tanzania and UOI are honored to have been part of this significant platform, where we had the opportunity to highlight the crucial role of intact forest ecosystems in sustaining local livelihoods. The event brought together key stakeholders from the forestry sector, environmental organizations, local communities and students or school children fostering discussions on the current and future of participatory forest management in Tanzania.
CAN Tanzania and UoL showcase PRO NDC ACT Project
CAN Tanzania hosted a booth whereby different interventions under the PRO NDC ACT project and our broader efforts in environmental conservation and climate action were showcased and explained to the public. The booth attracted a diverse audience including government officials, school children and community members. We explained different issues regarding environmental conservation and climate change. A key highlight were interactive video screenings showcasing on-ground interventions in restoring forests across the project sites. Visitors were inspired on how the communities actively participate in the restoration efforts, sparking critical discussions on how participation is ensured and how their effective engagement will be ensured in the future.
Call for Upscaling and Further Community Support
Throughout the event, a recurring request emerged the need to scale up interventions to other regions. Many visitors, especially from Njombe and Makete Districts, expressed deep concern over rapid deforestation in their areas and called for similar restoration efforts to be introduced. The urgency to act was reinforced by the visible signs of climate change that communities are already experiencing.
Additionally, native tree planting support emerged as a key request. Many individuals expressed a strong willingness to restore natural forests but cited a lack of access to tree saplings as a major barrier. There was also significant interest in carbon credits, with attendees eager to understand how they could participate and benefit from carbon trading initiatives.
Our participation in the National Dialogue
As part of our engagement in National Forest Day, we participated in the technical dialogue presenting on Community-Participatory Forest Restoration and the relevance on intact forests in Support of Tanzania ‘s National Determined Contributions (NDCs), emphasizing the power of community led forest restoration. The dialogue was officiated by Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism Honorable Pindi Chana and hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, whereby various issues on forest conservation, value addition of forest products, forest financing and community participation were discussed.
International Day of Forests – Closing Ceremony
The International Day of Forests event and exhibitions were concluded with an official closing ceremony led by Prime Minister, Hon Kassim Majaliwa where in his address he thanked all stakeholders and exhibitors for their participation. He underscored the importance of conserving forests in our lives. To symbolize the nation’s commitment to forest conservation he demonstrated by planting a tree at the Sabasaba grounds. Hon Majaliwa emphasized the role of forests in securing food, water, energy and economic opportunities for communities.
Call for Action, as we Look Ahead
Forests are not only vital for biodiversity but also play a fundamental role in ensuring food security, supporting indigenous practices, and mitigating climate change. Through meaningful exchanges with experts and practitioners, CAN Tanzania emphasized and reaffirmed the importance of participatory community-led approaches to forest conservation.
As we move forward, we call upon stakeholders, policymakers, and communities to collaborate in strengthening sustainable forest management efforts and ensuring the long-term resilience of our ecosystems.