CONSERVATION OF LOWLAND COASTAL FORESTS
(Project T20056)
The lowland coastal forests harbour unique and diverse flora and fauna
which provide a variety of forest products for local communities. Coastal
forests are under threat from human activities such as shifting
cultivation, fuelwood collection, pole cutting, charcoal production, timber
extraction, bush fires, and mining.
The two main aims of the project are the protection and the development of
sustainable alternatives to the current over-exploitation of forest
resources. This project deals with the conservation of the remaining
patches of lowland forest in the coastal region of eastern Tanzania. Out of
39 recognised coastal forests, WWF is currently supporting initiatives in
four of those identified as conservation priorities by the Forestry
Department: Zaraninge, Vikindu, Kazimzumbwi, and Pugu.
The project will continue with agroforestry and extension activities around
the forests of Zaraninge and Vikindu, lobbying for Zaraninge to be
officially gazetted as a forest reserve, producing extension materials,
training nursery workers, and providing equipment and infrastructure for
forest guards.
Phase II of this project, which began in July 1996, will expand operations
to the Matumbi Massif and the Mlola forest on Mafia Island.