FAO hands over revised draft of the National Forest Policy to the Government of Tanzania
TODAY Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has handed over the revised draft of the National Forest Policy to the Government of Tanzania through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT) following the finalization of its review.
In February last year, FAO and the Government of Tanzania through MNRT signed a technical cooperation program agreement to support the country to finalise review of its National Forestry Policy dating back to 1998 when it was passed.
Under the agreement, FAO was going to provide technical support to the tune of Tshs. 280/-million to Tanzania to enable it finalise the review of its 1998 Policy.
The handing over ceremony was held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Dodoma between the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Major General Gaudence Milanzi, and FAO Representative, Fred Kafeero.
Speaking at the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Milanzi on behalf of the Government appreciated FAO’S support in the finalisation of the policy saying that it was so timely when the country needs a new comprehensive policy to address forest issues.
“The country is facing a number of challenges in managing its forest resources that’s why we initiated the process for reviewing our forest policy since the current policy is too old failing to cope and reflect with many new developments have occurred in the country and across the globe,” he said.
A big achievement
On his side, Mr. Kafeero said that FAO was pleased to see the stage the process has reached for the betterment of the country.
“We’ve supported many countries in similar areas. We managed to engage local and international experts to ensure that the policy not only takes into account developments in the international arena but also helps to address local issues,” he said.
According to him, the year-long review process was a participatory process that brought together key stakeholders to consider larger global issues that affect the forest sector not only in Tanzania but also at a global level such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), The Paris Climate Change Agreement. Mr. Kafeero said that forestry was among the key mandates of FAO since they are very important for ensuring food security and nutrition, besides contributing to the economy and environment by providing livelihoods to the people.
Way Forward
FAO and the Government are now working on modalities for developing a strategy for implementing the National Forest Policy prior to its approval by the Cabinet.