Recently a local non-governmental organization, Mpingo Conservation and Development Initiative, was announced winner of a 2016 Whitley Award for International Nature Conservation (International Award for Outstanding Leaders in Conservation. The award was donated by WWF-UK. The prize was handed over by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne in London.)
The CEO of Mpingo Conservation and Development Initiative expressed delight for the international recognition of their efforts and said:
“We plan to use the Whitley Award Prize worth £35,000 to expand our work to an entirely new community in south-eastern Tanzania, called 'Namatewa', where we will support local people to own, protect and benefit from their forests by selling timber sustainably,”
He added: “This represents a significant first step towards closing the gap between the well-managed community forests we support in Kilwa District and the Selous Game Reserve - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s largest protected areas, with an expanse of 44,799 km2.”
We all know that healthy forests are homes for biodiversity, provide a lifeline for billions of rural people worldwide, and play a vital role in mitigating global climate change.
It is for these reasons that an ambitious global target has been set by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests by 2020.
Conservation work requires not only patience and commitment but also the ability to share valid information to local communities on the attached advantages which might not be realized immediately.
The big lesson gained here is that desire for quick money should not be considered a major source of motivation in serving the public especially rural communities.
Destruction of forests is a common phenomenon witnessed in different parts of the country. For example, mpingo (ebony wood) has been subjected to excessive harvesting as source of fuel as well as the chosen raw material among Makonde sculptors.
Working in six different districts in Lindi regions where the community has positively internalized the concept and practicalities of community forest management, the impressive outcome is of multiple benefits.
People have learnt about the significance in sustainable harvesting of forest products. Money that previously ended in individual pockets is directed to support community development projects. Besides, water sources are protected and forest cover provides the best fodder for beekeeping.
Both local and international conservationists have raised voices against ongoing destruction of forest reserves in Tanzania. The government continues to take measures to address the challenge but the best solution is introduction of participatory forest protection approach that has proved effective in different places in the country, as well as helping villagers to have access to alternative income generating activities.
The pledge by the government to provide Sh50m to every single village is in progress. Critical assessment on the best way to spend the money will yield to impressive results putting the issue about environmental conservation among the priorities. Where there is a will there is a way.
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