LEADERS from Vugiri and Lewa wards in Korogwe District, Tanga Region, have praised the Forests, Rights, and Livelihoods (FORLIVES) project for its role in restoring native vegetation and empowering local communities to protect the environment.

Implemented in partnership with the Tanzania Forest Conservation Group (TFCG), the project provided education and resources to support sustainable forest management across four villages.

The praise came at the weekend during a signing ceremony for forest management plans and village by-laws at the Korogwe District Council offices, where village leaders shared the positive outcomes of the initiative.

Bakari Kilindikuu, chairman of Mashindei village, emphasised the importance of community collaboration with TFCG. He mentioned that the village had enacted by-laws regulating forest access such as limiting firewood collection to twice a week and imposing fines of between 20,000/- and 50,000/- for violations.

The  efforts are supported by newly formed environmental committees consisting of 10 members, including two representatives from each sub-village.

“We see the benefits of this project as the community now understands the importance of protecting our environment and the by-laws assist to enforce the  changes,” he said

Rajab Gao, executive officer of Mashindei Village, noted that the community has also begun protecting local water sources by planting trees around them and conducting patrols twice a week to combat illegal activities.

Old Ambangulu Village Chairman Rogers Elia highlighted promotion of environmentally-friendly farming practices. Experts have been training villagers on techniques such as soil bunding and using organic fertilizers like manure and compost.

“The FORLIVES project has made a significant impact in reducing deforestation and halting harmful agricultural practices,” said Elifuraha Felisian, acting Executive Officer of Old Ambangulu Village. 

“Farmers now plant trees around water sources and confine livestock to prevent overgrasing in the forests.”

Julius Mntambo, Chairman of Vugiri Village, pointed out the project’s success in educating the community about environmental conservation and supporting establishment of nurseries for valuable tree species like cloves, black pepper and cinnamon. The community had also received agricultural inputs such as seeds and fertilizers.

Bituni Kopwe, Executive Officer of Vugiri Village, added that the community now  understands better the importance of sustainable forest management, with firewood collection limited to two days a week to reduce visits to the forest.

Bettie Luwuge, FORLIVES project manager, outlined the project’s goals to strengthen land and natural resource rights, improve livelihoods, and foster sustainable practices in Lewa and Vugiri wards.

Funded by Denmark's Danmission, the project has been running from 2023 and ends this year.

Luwuge explained the project's three main objectives as to ensure sustainable forest resource use, improve farming techniques and enhance community and institutional capacity for resource management by 2026.

The project’s initial training which began in February 2024 involved over 200 community members who were educated on governance, policy, gender issues, leadership and environmental management.