LIVESTOCK keepers need to adhere to responsible grazing and discourage harmful practices like invading farmed areas in search of fodder, as well as random tree-cutting.

Dr Ashatu Kijaji, the Livestock and Fisheries minister, issued this appeal in the capital yesterday at a collective briefing ahead of the World Environment Day climax today. Sustainable livestock keeping begins with protecting the environment, which provides essential pasture resources, she said, elaborating that to this end, the government has introduced certified pasture seeds and is urging livestock keepers to establish permanent forage plots.

These measures are intended to prevent environmental degradation caused by nomadic grazing and ensure long-term productivity in livestock activities, the minister underlined. In a strong call for environmental responsibility, she urged the public to stop using plastic bags on account of their devastating impact on health, livestock and ecosystems.

She pointed at risks posed by discarded plastic bags which are polluting rivers, lakes and high seas, a grave threat to fish and their breeding habitats. “Once ingested, plastics often kill marine life, and they also present risks to livestock that graze in contaminated areas,’ she emphasised.

There is a need for citizens to switch to sustainable alternatives and support the government’s efforts to curb plastic pollution, she declared, pointing at this year’s theme as “Our environment and Tanzania’s future—Act now, curb plastic use.”

Dr Damas Mapunda, coordinator for the Sustainable Landscape Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Project (SLR), showcased successful initiatives that are helping communities embrace eco-friendly livelihoods.

Activities such as forest-based beekeeping are not only conserving biodiversity but also generating income for local residents, he said, noting that the project is being implemented in seven districts of Iringa, Mbeya, Rukwa and Katavi regions.

Beneficiaries are promoting sustainable practices, showcasing environmentally enhanced products, a vivid aspect of innovations as the international community marks the World Environment Day.

He urged the public to abandon the use of firewood and charcoal in favour of clean cooking energy, as part of efforts to protect forests and the environment.

Prof. Dos Santos Silayo, the conservation commissioner for the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) reiterated these themes at a briefing while touring exhibition booths at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre (JKCC) grounds in the capital.

Forests are a cornerstone of ecological systems, with environmental protection being impossible without forest conservation, he said, underlining that “when we talk about environmental degradation, our minds go straight to deforestation. That tells you how central forests are to the health of our environment.”

Forest destruction severely impacts water sources, agriculture, livestock and public health, he said, commending TFS officers and rangers for educating the public through the exhibition.

He profiled TFS awareness campaign efforts as tied with national efforts to protect forests, preserve quality tree seeds, promote tree planting and encourage eco-friendly technologies.

“The level of awareness being raised—from seed selection to sapling care and ecological benefits," he said, highlighting that TFS was working with other institutions to implement the national clean cooking energy communication strategy. “We must help people understand why moving away from charcoal and firewood is urgent. This education must be delivered with full force,” he emphasized.