The Tanzania Forest Services Agency has introduced drones to its conservation toolkit, aiming to combat the rapid loss of woodland areas facing various environmental pressures.
“Drone technology is important because it will help us cover a large area and leave the remainder to patrols using vehicles and motorcycles,” stated Dos Santos Silayo, the agency’s commissioner for conservation. Alongside the drones, the agency has deployed four vehicles and nearly 40 motorcycles to enhance forest patrols.
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Tanzania boasts 45.7 million hectares of forest, covering around 40% of the country. However, this figure marks a significant decline from 61% in 2000, with an annual loss of approximately 400,000 hectares—double the global average deforestation rate, according to the World Bank.
Angellah Kairuki, Tanzania’s Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, emphasized the government’s commitment to conservation during a ceremony to unveil the equipment. “We are committed to enhancing the sector by equipping you with the necessary tools and expertise to drive positive outcomes in forest conservation,” she said.
The drones will play a pivotal role in tracking forest crimes and monitoring remote areas, allowing for more efficient deployment of patrols. This initiative follows Tanzania’s earlier success with drones in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where they deter poachers and protect elephants.
Tanzania joins a growing list of African nations, including Kenya, Ghana, Liberia, Madagascar, and Namibia, that leverage drone technology to safeguard forests. Kenya, in particular, uses drones not only for surveillance but also for reforesting degraded areas by spreading seeds. Additionally, drones in some countries are equipped with sensors to monitor tree health, contributing to long-term conservation efforts.
Deforestation Drivers in Tanzania vs. Kenya
Illegal activities such as charcoal and firewood collection, mining, livestock grazing, and agriculture are major contributors to deforestation in Tanzania. Protected areas like the Kahe forest preserve, crucial for maintaining water flow from Mount Kilimanjaro, face increasing threats from illegal logging and livestock grazing.
Similarly, Kenya’s forests are under significant pressure from agricultural expansion, urban development, and logging, with the Mau Forest Complex being one of the most affected areas. However, Kenya has taken strides in reforestation efforts, planting over 1.8 billion trees between 2019 and 2022, as part of its ambitious goal to achieve 10% forest cover by 2030.
Both countries recognize the importance of advanced technologies like drones to address these challenges. In Tanzania, the drones are part of a broader initiative with NGOs like Trees for the Future, aiming to evaluate tree coverage and support farmers in preventing soil erosion.
By integrating modern tools with traditional methods, both Tanzania and Kenya are making significant strides in addressing the urgent issue of deforestation and ensuring the sustainability of their natural resources.
