Tanzania Forest Conservation Group

Their mission is to conserve and restore the biodiversity of globally important forests in Tanzania for the benefit of the present and future generations. Over the years, their team has found that the most effective way to achieve their mission is through capacity building, advocacy, research, community development and protected area management, in ways that are sustainable and foster participation, co-operation and partnership. TFCG was established in 1985. With over 20 years of experience, they are the largest Tanzanian non-governmental organisation focusing on the conservation of natural forests. They envisage a world in which Tanzanians and the rest of humanity enjoy the diverse benefits from well conserved, high biodiversity forests. They focus on Tanzania's most important forests: the Eastern Arc Mountains and Coastal Forests. The forests and the plants and animals that they support provide many ecological services including capturing and storing greenhouse gases that might otherwise contribute to climate change; water catchment; biodiversity; pollination; and soil protection. The Tanzania Forest Conservation Group is a team of professional foresters, biologists and communicators determined to improve the way Tanzania's forests are managed and to support the livelihoods of those living close to the forests. What They Do: Forest conservation is about finding ways for people to live in harmony with their natural environment. To achieve this they: Conserve: Through training, dialogue and empowerment they provide individuals and local institutions with the skills and capacity to sustainably manage the forests around them. Develop: They provide more sustainable livelihood options for people living near forests. They reduce their dependence on activities that destroy the forests and provide more profitable alternatives. Communicate: Working with the media, schools and local artists they encourage communication and learning about the forests.   Advocate: They are constantly advocating for improvements in forest governance and policy at local, national and international levels. Research: They are committed to improving their knowledge and understanding of Tanzania's forests and how they can most successfully be conserved. Network: They believe in partnership. TFCG works closely with many partners including local communities, local and national government, development partners, private sector, research institutions and other civil society organisations and networks.