Dodoma: The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and the European Union (EU) have agreed to collaborate in the Natural Resources and Tourism Sector, particularly in environmental conservation, blue economy, beekeeping and prevention of illegal hunting of forest products and wildlife.
This was stated at a meeting between the Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr. Pindi Chana (Mb) and the Ambassador of the European Union to Tanzania, Mrs. Christine Grau, held on June 04, 2025 at the Offices of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dodoma.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Chana requested the European Union to support technological investment and research in clean cooking energy, Forestry industries and to support the establishment of a Forestry Arts Laboratory at the Tanzania Forestry Research Institute – TAFORI.
“Our focus is on the use of technology in conservation because a third of the country’s area is natural resources, so we should conserve it not only for the benefit of the African continent but for the world at large,” stressed Dr. Chana.
Dr. Chana has requested the EU to support the implementation of a new beekeeping development program that focuses on improving the lives of communities, especially in providing employment, especially for youth and women.
She also requested to support the conservation of bee resources and other natural resources, increase the production of bee products and sell them mainly on the international market and initiate the second phase of the BEVAC project.
Regarding the Forestry Sector, Minister Chana has encouraged and invited various stakeholders to invest in Carbon Trading to enhance the lives of communities and the National Economy while improving the conservation of our forest resources.
Regarding the use of Clean Energy for cooking, Dr. Chana explained that more than 90% of households in Tanzania rely on charcoal and firewood for cooking, which contributes to about 54% of deforestation in Tanzania, so by investing in clean energy, it will avoid indiscriminate deforestation and land management for national development.
The European Union Ambassador to Tanzania, Mrs. Christine Grau, said that the European Union is ready to provide sufficient cooperation in developing the Natural Resources and Tourism Sector.
“We have been implementing various conservation programs in the Natural Resources and Tourism Sector including conservation activities in the Serengeti National Park and Selous Game Reserve, community management of wildlife reserves and programs to develop the blue economy in coastal areas and Zanzibar”, she said.
She also said that the EU has established a clean energy program for cooking, supporting the national carbon trading center, preventing illegal trade in forest products and wildlife.
The session was attended by the Director of the Department of Wildlife, Mr. Alexander Lobora, Assistant Director, Department of Forestry and Beekeeping, Mr. Daniel Pancras and an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.
