CONSERVATIONISTS have been urged to educate and involve villagers in community-based forest management for them to reduce deforestation in the country.

Dunstan Kitandula, Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism made the call yesterday when speaking at the opening of the 24th workshop of Tanzania Community Forest Conservation Network (MJUMITA).

He called on MJUMITA to also be creative in writing good proposals because funding for forest conservation is available both in Tanzania and abroad.

He called on MJUMITA‘s community network members from different regions across the country to continue educating villagers on Community Based Forest Management (CBFM) and assist them to follow laws and regulations for forest conservation.

He said that education on forest management and conservation should be introduced in primary schools to help pupils understand forest conservation from a young age and increase the number of stakeholders who are aware of conservation issues in Tanzania.

The deputy minister called on MJUMITA to visit primary schools and educate pupils on forest conservation and management instead of relying on villagers.

 “It is very important for pupils to understand forest conservation and management because it helps them to understand how deforestation affects the environment,” he said.

He said equipping pupils with knowledge about the vital functions of forests is essential for conserving natural resources for future generations.

“By nurturing awareness and a sustainability attitude in today's children, we pave the way for responsible environmental conservation among the adults of tomorrow.”

 “Forests provide us with water, habitats for animals, clean our air, maintain a healthy environment, oxygen, shelter, keep our rivers, streams and lakes healthy. It is very important to protect forests in areas where we are for conservation of the environment and for future generations,” he said.

MJUMITA executive director Rahima Njaidi called on donors and institutions dealing with forest conservation to support them in terms of funds because in areas where they work, deforestation is RAMPANT and land use plans are not in place.

“We need at least 3bn/- per year for forest management and land use plan activities to prevent deforestation, protect forests and support villages to promote sustainable land use and natural resources management in their localities,” she said.