Ecosystem Conservation and Management
a. Review of the present forest policy and legislation
b. Other relevant policies and legislation
c. Biodiversity Conservation
d. Watershed Management
e. Soil Conservation
f. Wildlife Management
1. Introduction
Ecosystem, as defined by the Convention on Biological Diversity means a dynamic complex of
plant, animal and microorganism communities and their non-living environment interacting as a
functional unit (UNEP 1992). Conservation of the ecosystem entails preservation and regulated
utilization of the ecosystem. In the Tanzania forest policy, the objective of ecosystem
conservation and management is stated as to ensure ecosystem stability through conservation of
forest biodiversity, water catchments and soil fertility.
On This Page
 Forest Land Management

Ecosystem Conservation and Management

Forest Based Industries and Products

Institutional and Human Resources

Beekeeping

Studies Reports Page
Biodiversity is described as the structural and functional variety of life forms at genetic, species,
population, community and ecosystem levels (Anonymous, 1992). The United Nations Charter
for Nature stipulates that all forms of life warrant respect regardless of their value to people. The
charter also states that the genetic viability on the earth shall not be compromised; the population
levels of all life forms, wild and domesticated, must be at least sufficient for their survival, and to
this end necessary habitats shall be safeguarded. According to the World-wide Fund for Nature
Conservation (WWF, 1993) as quoted by Rodgers (1994), “in Africa, biodiversity is a matter of
survival. It is critical for life at grass root level because it is the total variety of living matter on
which society depends. It provides ecosystem resilience to allow both people and natural
communities to cope with periodic environmental stress.” Despite its importance (McNeely
1992), biodiversity is threatened by habitat destruction and degradation. The ultimate causes are
mentioned (ibid) as inequities in the distribution of power, information and resources; the effects
of global and national market forces and market failures that mis-value natural resources;
separation of environmental conservation and economic development, often involving the
decline of indigenous systems of resource management; unsustainable levels of resource demand
at a global level; and lack of an ethical commitment to sustainability.
Natural habitats such as forests have long been providing local people with the means for
survival, supplying food (meat, nuts, fruits, vegetables), fodder, firewood, construction materials
medicinal plants and wild genes for domestic plants and animals. Forests, which are highly
diverse natural ecosystems supporting this wealth of species, also provide other important
ecological services such as maintaining hydrological cycles, springs, streams, regulating climate,
contributing to the processes of soil formation and maturation, storing and cycling essential
nutrients, absorbing and breaking down pollutants and providing sites for tourism, recreation and
research.
Being among the major habitats for biological diversity of plants, animals and other organisms, it
is clear that by managing the forests for sustained multiple products, one is also managing
biodiversity. Forest ecosystems are many and are variable in structure and composition, and
therefore management objectives differ from one forest to another. Watershed forests, also
referred to as catchment forests, cover land areas that drain to some point in a stream or river. In
Tanzania, three major types of watersheds are recognized (Nsolomo et al. 1997). First are
watersheds found in forest reserves namely catchment forests; second are watersheds on
deforested or degraded high plateaus or mountains (in some areas of Iringa, Ruvuma, Rukwa,
Mbeya, Kigoma and Kagera regions); and thirdly there are wetlands that exist on gentle ground
or on plateaus outside forest reserves. These wetlands are rich in diversity of water plants, birds,
fish and reptiles. About 3% of forest reserves in Tanzania overlap with protected areas devoted
only to wildlife conservation (MNRT, 1998b). However, all forests in the country harbor a
number of wildlife at various levels in terms of species diversity and abundance. The
maintenance of a forest canopy reduces soil erosion while the maintenance of surface ground
cover slows surface runoff and increases water infiltration in the ground. Such degradation
results into loss of habitats for plants and animals and hence loss of biodiversity. Soils support
forests, animals and other organisms. Management and conservation of such watershed
ecosystems have therefore, direct relationship with management and conservation of soils and
biodiversity in general. However, management is guided by the policy and legislation, the latter
being a tool of management.
The purpose of this report (Terms of Reference in Annex 1) is therefore to document and analyze
the present status of forest ecosystem conservation and management and sketch the vision for the
future. Specifically, the report presents a review of the forest policy and legislation, other
relevant policies and legislation, current status of biodiversity conservation, watershed
management, soil conservation and wildlife management.
2. Review of the Present Forest Policy and Legislation
2.1 Forest Policy in relation to ecosystem conservation and management
The objective of ecosystem conservation and management as stipulated in the Forest Policy
(MNRT, 1998a) is to ensure ecosystem stability through conservation of forest biodiversity,
water catchments and soil fertility.
Forest biodiversity is faced with problems of encroachment, shifting cultivation, wild fires, lack
of systematic forest management and inadequate infrastructure and staff to prevent excessive
resource use. Watershed management and soil conservation face similar problems as biodiversity
conservation due to increase in population pressure and inefficient forest management and
protection in watershed areas. Poor management and protection have resulted into deterioration
of catchment areas causing water shortages. Planting of unsuitable species in watershed areas,
illegal logging and inappropriate logging methods have further reduced the quantity and quality
of water and are the cause of peak floods and sedimentation in rivers. Erosion due to cultivation
of riverbanks outside forest reserves is also a major problem in watershed management.
In reserved forests, encroachment, wildfires, illegal logging and poaching, are also the major
factors contributing to the deterioration of wildlife populations. Inadequacy of baseline data on
types of wildlife species, on their habitats outside game reserves or national parks, and the lack
of incorporating wildlife management in forest management plans, are also among the problems
hampering wildlife conservation in forest reserves. Also coordination between the government
institution involved in wildlife and forest management is poor. Conflicts in management
activities usually arise in areas where forest reserves overlap with game reserves or game
controlled areas.
In order to minimize damage to the ecosystem due to human activities, the Forest Policy states to
carry out Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before carrying out large investment projects
which convert forest land to other land uses such as forest industries, mining, road construction,
agriculture, dams, settlements, shrimp farming and tourism. The scope and guidelines of the
Environmental Impact Assessment will be prepared in collaboration with other sectors and
stakeholders.
Specifically, in order to achieve Ecosystem Conservation and Management in the areas of
biodiversity, watershed management and soil conservation, and wildlife, the forest policy points
out to the following statements:

New forest reserves for biodiversity conservation will be established in areas of high
biodiversity value. Forest reserves with protection objectives of national strategic importance
may be declared as nature reserves.

Biodiversity conservation and management will be included in the management plans for all
protection forests. Involvement of local communities and other stakeholders in conservation
and management will be encouraged through joint management agreements.

Biodiversity research and information dissemination will be strengthened in order to improve
biodiversity conservation and management.

Biodiversity conservation will be incorporated in the management regimes of natural
production forests and plantations. Biodiversity conservation and management guidelines
will be incorporated in the management plans. The replacement of natural forests by exotic
plantations will be minimized.

New catchment forest reserves for watershed management and soil conservation will be
established in critical watershed areas.

Watershed management and soil conservation will be included in the management plans for
all protection and production forests. Involvement of local communities and other
stakeholders in watershed management and soil conservation will be encouraged through
joint management agreements.

Research and information dissemination will be strengthened in order to improve watershed
management and soil conservation.

Management of forest reserves will incorporate wildlife conservation. Wildlife resource
assessment will be intensified.

Environmental Impact Assessment will be required for the investments, which convert forest
land to other land use or may cause potential damage to the forest environment.
2.2 Draft Forest Legislation (ACT) in relation to biodiversity, watershed and wildlife
management and conservation
To enhance biodiversity, watershed and wildlife conservation and management, the relevant
forest legislation is stated in parts II, IV, VI, VII, IX, XI and XII, all of which facilitate the
management and conservation of forests, individual trees species or wildlife.
Part II of the Forest Act is about the policy framework and it is stated in section 3(1) that the
objective of forest legislation is to “promote the forest policy so as to enhance the contribution of
the forest sector to the sustainable development of Tanzania and the conservation and
management of her natural resources for the present and future generations.” The provisions of
the Act as stated in section 3 (2) shall be applied and interpreted to promote the following
objectives related to ecosystem conservation and management.

To encourage and facilitate the active involvement of the citizen in the sustainable planning,
management, use and conservation of forest resources through the development of individual
and community rights, whether derived from customary law or by the present legislation, to
use and manage forest resources.

To ensure ecosystem stability through conservation of forest biodiversity, water catchments
and soil fertility.

To facilitate greater public awareness of the cultural, economic and social benefits of
conserving and increasing sustainable forest cover.
The forest legislation in Part II Section 4 also defines the classification of forests in Tanzania to
aid management and administrative activities.
Part IV of the Forest Act describes how planning and management can be achieved through the
National Forest Programme. The programme is intended to provide a strategic planning
framework to guide policy implementation at all levels of government and amongst all
stakeholders within the forest sector. This also includes setting of guidelines for public
participation in the management of forest resources at both National and local levels. Apart from
establishment of the National Forest Programme, the Forest Act also gives guidelines on
development of forest management plans, joint management agreements and on Environmental
Impact Assessment for certain developments.
Part VI of the forest legislation defines forest reserves and stipulates procedures for declaration
of forest reserves (government reserves, local authority reserves and village forest reserves). This
part supports the implementation of the Forest Policy on establishment of catchment forests or
nature reserves to enhance watershed and biodiversity management and conservation. The Act in
section 30 mentions activities prohibited within forest reserves without permission so as to
protect such reserves from human activities, which were outlined earlier in this review. By-laws
in respect of local authority forest reserves may also be developed and later applied by the local
governments to enhance protection of the reserves. The functions of village committees in
managing a gazetted village forest reserve and powers to develop by-laws in respect of the
reserves are also outlined. The Act goes further to describe the procedures, which may govern
possible joint management of village forest reserves by two or more villages; and on the rights
and duties of villagers in respect of village forest reserves.
Part VII of the Act mentions about licenses, which are tools to regulate activities in forests.
Licenses are also tools that control entry or exploitation of a forest resource. Hence they are
important in management and conservation of biodiversity and watershed forests. Part IX of the
Act describes the conservation of trees, wild plants and wild animals. This part of the act
describes how a tree or class of trees can be declared reserved. It also outlines restrictions on
cutting timber, protected wild plants, and protected wild animals. The procedure is also
established for the preparation of schemes to implement international conventions on
conservation of biodiversity.
Part X of the Act is devoted to protection of the ecosystem against fire, which is one of the major
destructive agents of forest and wildlife ecosystems in Tanzania. The act describes restriction on
burning of vegetation; power to require persons to assist in extinguishing fire and or fire
prevention and fire fighting techniques. Fire is allowed as a fire-fighting tool.
Part XI outlines the establishment of Tanzania Forest Fund among whose objectives are to
promote awareness on the importance of protection, development and sustainable use of forest
resources through public education and training. The fund also aims to promote and assist in the
development of community forestry directed towards the conservation and protection of the
forest resources of Tanzania; to promote and develop research in forestry; to assist in enabling
Tanzania to benefit from international initiatives and international funds directed towards the
conservation and protection of biological diversity.
Part XII describes the offences and legal procedures to enhance management and conservation of
forests and biodiversity in general. It outlines offences committed in forest reserves; offences
related to trees which are not in forest reserves; offences related to listed wild plants and wild
animals; offences related to unlawful taking, possession or receiving of forest produce; offences
related to trade in forest produce; offences related to counterfeiting and similar offences; and
those in connection with fires. Therefore, any person who commits any of the offences shall be
guilty of the offence against the Act.
It can therefore be concluded that the Forest policy is fully supported by the forest legislation in
ecosystem conservation and management and especially in areas of biodiversity conservation,
watershed management and wildlife management. Soil conservation is not addressed directly by
the Forest Act although it is clearly mentioned in the forest policy, together with watershed
management. Soil conservation is one of the major objectives of watershed management.
3. Other Relevant Policies and Legislation
3.1 Other Relevant Policies
Apart from the Forest Policy, there are other policies that are relevant to ecosystem conservation
and management. These are the wildlife policy, beekeeping policy, tourism policy, environment
policy, land policy, National agricultural and livestock policy, the energy policy, fisheries policy
and the mineral policy.
3.1.1 Wildlife Policy
The wildlife policy contains the following objective statements to enhance conservation of
wildlife biodiversity.

To conserve areas with great biological diversity which are representative of the major
habitats of Tanzania.

To continue support and where necessary, enlarge the protected area network as the core of
conservation activities.

To promote involvement of local communities’ participation in wildlife conservation in and
outside the protected area network.

To create enabling environment for the international cooperation in wildlife conservation.

To continue the establishment of protected areas.

To promote the conservation of wildlife and its habitats outside core areas (National Parks,
Game Reserves and Ngorongoro Conservation Area) by establishing wildlife management
areas.

To enhance the conservation of biological diversity by administering wetlands.
Among the strategies for protecting biological diversity as mentioned in the policy are:

To transfer the management of Wildlife Management Areas to local communities. Wildlife
Management areas are a new category of protected areas for the purpose of effecting
community-based conservation.

To identify, create, and upgrading series of protected area network and important wetlands in
order to safeguard the biological diversity of Tanzania.

To give special conservation status to rare or endangered wildlife species.

To incorporate important wetlands into the wildlife protected area network.

To survey and acquire land title deeds for all Protected Areas.
In the policy, strategies for conservation and management of biological diversity are also
mentioned, and these are:

To preserve representative examples of Tanzania’s terrestrial and aquatic habitats and their
physical environments.

Conserve viable populations of species with emphasis on endangered, threatened endemic
species and their habitats.

Conserve water catchments and soil resources.

Provide for rehabilitation of particular habitats, introduction and re-introduction of particular
fauna species.

Prohibiting mining in core wildlife protected areas in order to preserve the biological
diversity.

Seeking to bring under control and minimize the damage caused by wild fires.
The policy also states the strategies to be used to protect wildlife against illegal use.
3.1.2 Beekeeping Policy
The National Beekeeping Policy has objectives, which promote ecosystem conservation and
management. The following are some of such objectives.

Ensure sustainable existence of honeybees by maintaining and effectively managing adequate
area of bee reserves.

Improve biodiversity.

Ensure ecosystem stability by practicing Integrated Pest Management.
Based on the above objectives another policy area is stated, namely “Beekeeping for ecosystem
conservation and management.” Important policy statements in the area are:

To ensure sustainable supply of high quality bee products and pollination services, and the
establishment and management of private apiaries will be encouraged.

To enable sustainable management of honeybee and floral resources for the sustained
production of bee products, the private sector will be encouraged to establish and manage
beekeeping-agro forestry systems.

To enable sustainable management of resources, an integrated approach involving different
users of tree species which produce raw materials for hives, will be designed and
popularized.

The private sector and community will be encouraged to promote eco-tourism based on site
seeing of bee reserves, apiaries, bee products and foraging bees.

Apiary establishment and management in game reserves will be encouraged.

Explore possibilities of carrying out beekeeping in National Parks.
3.1.3 Tourism Policy
The National Policy on Tourism also supports conservation through the following statements.

Tourism development shall be based on criteria of sustainability: ecologically sound in the
long term, economically viable and socially acceptable.

Eco tourism should contribute to management of protected areas and improve the links
between local communities and those who manage protected areas.

Tourism development should contribute to the conservation, protection and restoration of the
country’s ecosystem.

Tourism development and environmental protection are interdependent.

Environmental protection should constitute an integral part of the tourism development
process.
The framework for sustainable tourism development is also based on the Rio Declaration on
Environment and Development (Agenda 21) as shown in the last three statements mentioned
above.
3.1.4 Environment Policy
The National Environment Policy, was approved by Cabinet in 1997. Its major objective is to
strengthen coordination in environmental planning by identifying the relevant institutions to
manage natural resources.
The policy also emphasizes on the management and conservation of natural resources with the
aim to combat desertification, conservation of biological diversity, managing renewable natural
resources and control of pollution. The policy highlights the necessity to integrate biodiversity
into other policies, strategies and programmes.
3.1.5 Land Policy
Among the objectives of adopting the Land Policy by the Cabinet in 1995, was to protect land
from degradation, ensure wise use of land, guide allocations and resolve conflicts. The policy
provides for the protection of sensitive areas such as water catchment areas, forest areas of
biodiversity, national parks and wetlands. The statements which qualify ecosystem conservation
and management are such as those which state that:

Mechanisms for protecting sensitive areas will be created.

Sensitive areas or parts of them should not be allocated to individuals.

Certificate of occupancy shall be issued for all government and public properties including
National Parks, Forest Reserves and any allocation made for public use.

Permits, licenses, claims and rights for exploitation of natural resources to be issued in line
with land use policies and environment conservation policies and programmes.
Such statements coordinate land use activities in conservation so as to avoid conflicts and
overlapping land uses in forests and game controlled areas.
3.1.6 National Agricultural and Livestock Policy of 1997
The policy recognizes its interrelationship with other resources such as land, water, forests and
others. It also acknowledges that wrong use of land, water and forests in the production of crops
and livestock can have far-reaching effects on the environmental integrity. It emphasizes the
need to fit in the overall environmental policy, which is critical in providing guidance for the
proper and balanced use of natural resources and in defining sectoral responsibilities for the
environmental management.
The National Agricultural and Livestock Policy, however, allows for limited controlled burning
during land preparation and in range management. It should be noted here that many forest fires
in Tanzania originate from farm or range lands (e.g., Lulandala et al. 1995).
3.1.7 The Energy Policy of April 1992.
This policy states of developing new and renewable energy technologies to ensure efficient
utilization of fuel wood and charcoal. The policy also acknowledges the relationship between
man and the environment and the fragile nature of balance in the ecosystem. It recognizes
destructive activities of man to the ecosystem which lead to such effects as climate change, wind
and water-based soil erosion, destruction of arable land, floods, siltation of dams, and
advancement of deserts.
In order for the energy sector to contribute to the preservation of the environment, some of the
measures to be taken are mentioned below.

Reviewing and strengthening of laws and regulations relating to the protection of
hydropower sources

Reviewing and strengthening of laws and regulations regarding the protection of reservoirs
for hydropower.

Undertaking Environmental Impact Assessment before exploitation of new energy sources.

Efforts to be made to substitute wood fuel for tobacco curing and tea drying with other
sources such as electricity and coal.

Tobacco curing and tea drying industries will be encouraged to initiate planting of woodlots
to carter for their energy needs.

Continuation of afforestation and reforestation campaigns including public awareness
campaign and proclamation of a national tree planting and national environmental awareness
days.

Consulting environmental experts in oil exploration and production activities

Reinforcement of forest and bush fire prevention measures.

Greenhouse gas emissions (carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide) from industry and
transport sectors will be monitored.
3.1.8 National Fisheries Sector Policy and Strategy Statement of December 1997
Among the main objectives of the Fisheries policy and strategy statements as related to
ecosystem conservation and management, especially of the coastal zones (where mangroves also
thrive) are such as:

Protection of productivity and biological diversity of coastal and aquatic ecosystems through
prevention of habitat destruction, pollution and overexploitation.

Pursue a continuing fisheries integrated programme of effective management of coastal zone
to meet the ecological and social economic needs of the present and future generation.

To develop and strengthen inter-sectoral cooperation in the general fisheries development to
minimize operational conflicts.
The strategies to achieve the above objectives are mentioned as:

Develop Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) guidelines and ensure that EIA is carried
out and taken into consideration in all fisheries sector projects.

Promote protection of the fragile ecosystem, ecosystem processes and conservation of
biodiversity programme.

Conduct joint meeting with all sectors related to Natural resources, tourism and environment
in areas of training, information, enforcement, conservation and natural resources
management.
3.1.9 Mineral Policy
The Mineral policy of October 1997 (Ministry of Energy and Minerals (MEM), 1997) states one
of the challenges that shall be addressed as “to ensure environmental protection and
management.” Also among its strategies for the legal and regulatory framework is to ensure
environmental protection and land reclamation. It is stated also that sustainable mining
development requires balancing the protection of the flora and fauna and the natural environment
with the need for social and economic development.
The policy however, conflicts with, for example, the Forest Policy and Wildlife Policy in its
statement about the strategies for protecting the environment. The statement under environmental
protection does not rule out carrying out mining in forest reserves, national parks or other
protected areas. It specifically states of “setting appropriate guidelines for allowing the conduct
of mining in restricted areas such as forests, national parks, sources of water and other
designated areas.” Nevertheless, the policy mentions to improve environmental awareness
through the media, for small-scale mining.
3.2 Other Relevant Legislation
These are Wildlife Act, Village land Act, Land Act, Plant Protection Act and the National
Environment Management Council Act.
3.2.1 Wildlife Conservation Act
This legislation was formulated with the objective to make provisions for the protection,
conservation, development, regulation and control of fauna and flora. The act may be used to
regulate biodiversity conservation, watershed management and soil resources in game reserves
and game controlled areas. Grazing livestock in game reserves or game controlled areas is
prohibited under the Act.
3.2.2 The Village Lands Act, No. 5 of 1999
This was developed to enact land tenure law especially for the management and administration
of land in villages. As more than 50% of forest resources in Tanzania are in village lands, land
tenure is important to forest management. Similar statements are given on environmental and
forest conservation as in the Land Act.
3.2.3 Land Act
The Act defines access to, ownership of and tenure to forest resources.