Forest

Our passionate commitment centers on restoring degraded lands and fostering sustainable forest practices. Our primary goal is forest restoration through the preservation and sustainable utilization of indigenous and local species. We empower local communities by providing resources and alternative livelihood options that encourage environmental conservation while enhancing community well-being.

Our Achievements

1. Mangrove Restoration at Mdimni – 2022
In collaboration with HUDEFO, GERF successfully restored 500 mangrove seedlings in Mdimni Village, Mkuranga District. Recognizing the vital role of mangroves in climate regulation, we conducted training for nearly 200 community members on the importance of mangrove ecosystems and sustainable management practices.

2. Mangrove Development at Pemba Mnazi – 2023
Our team assessed the state of mangroves in Pemba mnazi and identified that 80% of these forests are exploited for charcoal due to their high quality wood. To combat this, we introduced beekeeping as an alternative livelihood, providing communities with a sustainable income from honey sales, thereby reducing dependence on charcoal and promoting forest conservation.

3. Field Survey at Uluguru Forest – 2023
In collaboration with the Uluguru Nature Forest Reserve, GERF conducted a comprehensive survey to assess the extent of deforestation and fragmentation. Findings revealed a 23% loss of forest cover between 1955 and 2001, ongoing deforestation from 1995 to 2014 and signs of recovery since 2014, thanks to conservation initiatives like agroforestry and youth-led replanting efforts. The survey highlighted the importance of strong policies to prevent illegal logging.

4. Community Empowerment and Awareness Program at Mwidu – 2023
GERF engaged 50 community members at Mwidu Center in Chalinze District through capacity building sessions on forest management and conservation. The campaign aimed to raise awareness and promote tree planting and forest restoration efforts within the local community.

5. Carbon Trade Training – 2024
In partnership with the Tanzania Tree Growers Association Union (TTGAU), GERF facilitated a comprehensive training for 45 trainers ; participants include representatives from different environmental stakeholders TTGAU, NADO(Njombe, Agricultural Development Organization), NFC(New, Forest,Company) and the Kilolo District Municipal Council inorder to train 600 small-scale tree growers in Kilolo District, Iringa Region, on the complexities of carbon trading. The program aims to scale this impact to 10,000 small growers across the southern highlands of Tanzania, including Njombe and Iringa regions. This initiative emphasizes raising awareness and enhancing knowledge among community members about the potential of carbon markets.

6. Edu Green Program 2025
In collaboration with Arts in Tanzania, the Association of Tanzanian Water Suppliers (ATAWAS) and the Tanzania Forest Service Agency (TFS), GERF launched the Edu-Green project at Mkenge Primary School, Bagamoyo, in May 2025. Over three years, the program aims to reach 20 schools across Lindi, Morogoro, and Pwani regions, planting over 2000 trees. At Mkenge, we have already planted 80 trees and are currently monitoring and evaluating the project’s progress. The initiative has expanded to Zanzibar, partnering with Halotel network to campaign on greening zanzibar  islands with universities and college students being ambassadors of the program.

Be a part of this holistic approach , contributing not only to enviromental resilience but also to the global fight against climate change.