Tanzania Forest Services Receives New Patrol Vehicles to Boost Conservation Efforts in Udzungwa and Kilombero
Iringa – Conservation efforts in the Udzungwa and Kilombero landscapes received a significant boost following the delivery of two new patrol vehicles to the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS).
The Toyota Land Cruisers will enable rangers to access remote forest areas, including mountainous and flood-prone zones that become inaccessible during the rainy season.
The vehicles were provided under the Udzungwa Landscape Strategy (ULS), with the handover ceremony taking place on 24 November 2025 in Wilolesi, Iringa. Officials from TFS, ULS and conservation partners attended the event.
Dr Zainabu Bungwa, Acting Director of Resource Management, representing the TFS Conservation Commissioner, said the vehicles will strengthen patrols and improve forest protection across the region.
"These vehicles will support TFS, surrounding communities and the nation by safeguarding biodiversity and reducing forest destruction," Dr Bungwa stated.
She explained that many forest areas become unreachable during the rainy season due to poor infrastructure, but the new vehicles will allow rangers to navigate even the most challenging terrain.
TFS also requested that ULS expand conservation projects to Rungwe and Kalambo due to their ecological significance and ongoing threats from forest encroachment.
The two vehicles, valued at Sh323.09 million, are expected to enhance monitoring, field assessments and educational activities in the forests.
ULS officials noted that the landscape strategy aims to reduce community dependence on forests, improve collaboration among stakeholders and strengthen forest protection measures.
As part of the initiative, 30 Village Game Scouts have received specialised patrol training this year.
Udzungwa Forest Reserve Manager Michael Urio welcomed the vehicles, acknowledging that challenging terrain has long limited patrol capacity. He said the new equipment will accelerate patrols and improve management of difficult areas.
Kilombero Forest Manager Oswald Ford noted the support will enhance protection of forests that serve as habitat for rare species and provide vital water sources.
The Udzungwa Landscape Strategy is a 20-year initiative funded by the Hempel Foundation and Aage V. Jensen Charity Foundation, implemented in partnership with local communities to ensure inclusive and sustainable conservation.
Environmental experts praised the strengthened patrol capacity, emphasizing that Udzungwa and Kilombero are critical to the ecological network of southern Tanzania. They encouraged additional organizations to provide similar strategic support to combat forest degradation.
