GEF funding advances Tanzania’s forest tourism
Tanzania has seen a significant increase in forest tourism, with annual visitors rising from under 200 in 2015 to over 390,000. This growth is attributed to projects funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) that promote sustainable forest management.
Why it matters
Diversifying tourism beyond wildlife helps protect biodiversity while providing new economic opportunities for the country.
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA’S forest tourism is expanding, with the number of visitors to forest reserves rising from fewer than 200 in 2015 to more than 390,000 annually, according to the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS), with projects supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) contributing to the sector’s development.
The growth points to efforts to diversify the country’s tourism attractions beyond wildlife and strengthen the economic value of forest resources while supporting conservation.
Speaking during the national dialogue on the ninth replenishment cycle of the Global Environment Facility (GEF-9), TFS Conservation Officer, Mr Yusuf Tango said GEF-funded projects had helped develop forest tourism by supporting improvements in the status and management of selected forests, creating opportunities for tourism activities in natural forest reserves.
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