Tanzania's Green Future to Restore Forests and Biodiversity

Posted on : Tuesday , 1st July 2025

To support Tanzania’s national target of restoring five million hectares of degraded forests and landscapes, the country is implementing the Sustainable Environmental Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Project. This effort is part of "The Restoration Initiative (TRI), a global collaboration involving countries i.e. Tanzania, Cameroon, Kenya, the Central African Republic, Pakistan, China, etc. Tanzania committed to land restoration under this initiative, originally launched in 2018. Speaking during a graduation and showcase event for entrepreneurs under the Restoration Factory Program in Iringa on March 28, 2025, Mapunda, who oversees the project at the Vice President’s Office, emphasized that the effort plays a crucial role in meeting the country’s target of restoring 5.2 million hectares of degraded land and forest areas. 

Between 2021 and 2025, the project is receiving $11.21 million in funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Its primary focus is to improve ecosystem health and strengthen environmental governance to enhance climate resilience and improve community livelihoods across Tanzania. By 2025, the project targets the rehabilitation of 110,000 hectares of degraded land and aims to cut carbon emissions by approximately 4.7 million tonnes. The government recognizes the important role the private sector plays in environmental rehabilitation—particularly in mobilizing investments, technical skills, and innovation. However, participation from private enterprises remains limited due to low awareness, lack of viable business models, and insufficient incentives. To address this gap, the Sustainable Environmental Restoration and Biodiversity Conservation Project, in partnership with Bridge for Billions (B4B) and Anza Entrepreneurs, is running the Restoration Factory Program. 

This initiative is designed to help entrepreneurs build environmentally responsible businesses that contribute to ecological recovery, climate adaptation, and biodiversity protection, as explained by IUCN advisor Mr. Doyi Mazendele. He also emphasized the importance of attracting investors and business leaders to the restoration economy for long-term economic benefits. Out of 36 business mentors who joined the program, only 14 successfully completed it. Ms. Annet Mutembei, founder of Nishati Eco Biomass Briquettes in Tegeta-Nyuki, Dar es Salaam, shared that producing briquettes from agricultural by-products like groundnut shells and wood scraps helps reduce reliance on forest wood. 

Approximately 90% of people in Tanzania depend on firewood or charcoal for cooking. Cleaner energy options can help curb deforestation, lower emissions, and contribute to climate change mitigation, she explained. She also highlighted health benefits, stating that cleaner briquettes cause fewer respiratory problems and ease the burden on women who typically gather firewood. Mr. Deogratius Kapalata, Director of KPLT CO. Ltd. Based in Visiga, Coast Region, and the company repurposes coconut waste to produce biomass briquettes and virgin coconut oil. He noted that the briquettes burn cleanly and pose less harm to the environment. He also pointed out that reusing coconut husks reduces mosquito habitats, lowering the risk of malaria. Overall, the initiative is expected to contribute significantly to biodiversity conservation, land restoration, and greater private sector engagement—further supporting Tanzania’s pathway to sustainable growth.