LINDI, March 19 -- THE Vice President Emmanuel Nchimbi has officially launched the International Day of Forests and the National Tree Planting Campaign 2026, warning that the rate of forest loss in the country has reached 460,400 hectares per year and urging Tanzanians to take urgent steps to protect this important resource for the economy and the environment.

 

Speaking today at Ilulu Stadium, Lindi Region, Nchimbi said forests are not only a source of life but are a pillar of a sustainable economy, noting that the sector contributes 3.5 percent of the national GDP, reaching up to 20 percent when the value of ecosystem services that have no market price is included.

“Today, we are launching a national tree planting campaign...