Tanzania and Finland Launch Forest Restoration Partnership

Tanzania's Ruvuma and Lindi regions are getting a major environmental boost thanks to a new partnership that could transform how communities manage their forests for generations to come.

The governments of Tanzania and Finland signed a Regional Forest Restoration Memorandum of Understanding in Songea, formalizing their commitment to protect and restore forest landscapes. The agreement is part of the FORLAND Project, a collaborative initiative focused on sustainable forest management and climate resilience.

The signing ceremony brought together officials from both regional administrations, the Finnish Embassy, Tanzania's Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, and project coordinators. It marks the latest expansion of an effort already underway in Tanzania's Njombe and Iringa regions.

Emma Nzunda, the FORLAND Project Coordinator, explained how the agreement will make a real difference on the ground. The MoU ensures that forest restoration becomes woven into regional development plans, giving local governments both the tools and accountability to protect their natural resources.

"The MoU will enable regions to effectively mainstream forest restoration actions into their planning processes while strengthening coordination and accountability," Nzunda said. This means forest protection won't be an afterthought but a central part of how these regions plan their futures.

The FORLAND Project takes a comprehensive approach. Beyond just planting trees, it strengthens value chains, improves governance, and helps forest-dependent communities become more resilient to climate change. This matters because millions of Tanzanians rely on forests for their livelihoods, from timber and fuel to medicines and food.

The Ripple Effect

This partnership represents more than an environmental agreement. It's about empowering regional governments to take ownership of their natural resources while connecting local actions to national climate goals.

The collaborative model between Tanzania and Finland demonstrates how international partnerships can support local solutions. By building institutional capacity and integrating restoration into existing planning processes, the project creates lasting change rather than temporary fixes.

Forest-dependent communities in these regions now have stronger frameworks to protect the landscapes they rely on while contributing to global climate resilience. As these restoration efforts take root, they'll capture carbon, protect biodiversity, and secure livelihoods for families across southern Tanzania.

With four regions now covered under similar agreements, Tanzania is building momentum toward a future where economic development and environmental protection work hand in hand.