In 2017, through Social Accountability Monitoring (SAM) program, Policy Forum supported Tanzania Natural Resources Forum to train local government leaders on how to enhance accountability on natural resources. SAM is an intervention facilitated by Policy Forum, a member-based network in Tanzania, to influence decisions on the use of public resources for the progressive realization of the socio-economic rights of Tanzanians.
Illegal and excessive logging of trees for charcoal makers was resulting in severe deforestation. Despite strict laws in place. Charcoal is currently produced either illegally in forest reserve on village land with no sustainable harvesting is in place (TFCG,2018), the problem seemed far from manageable. The environmental committee needed help to halt the destruction. The village teamed up with TNRF, a local CSO and a member of Public Forum to build the capacitiy of village leaders to improve accountability.
Through Social Accountability Monitoring (SAM) training conducted by Policy Forum on behalf of TNRF, the environmental committee has improved the ward’s by-laws related to forest destruction. Due to strict regulations, hefty fines, and civic engagement, many have forsaken the practice. The village has since regained its almost lost glory.
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Long Term Benefits
The intervention brought long term benefits such as the abide and implementation of the forest by laws by the local government leaders. The implementation of the sustainable goal 7 and 13 by protection life on land and the natural forests. Building a good rapport between the government and the community, enhance public accountability as the villagers are the ones protecting their forest. Moreover strenthern partnership between the government and the CSOs inorder to achieve the intended goals.
Lessons Learnt
- The accountability towards natural resource governance needs a collaborative effort of partnership and community participation from all local government authorities, responsible agencies, CSOs and the respective community surrounding the forest. This will end up bearing positive just as the efforts made in Soga village from forest logging to Forest conservation.
- “Noting that Forest conservation is not a one-man-show, it is a collective one”, Nassoro Mzava: A TFS district representative, Kibaha.
- The climatic changes like drought and dryness of well was brought massive destruction of forests in Soga village, it is necessary for Forest reservation to restore nature and climatic balance.
- Inorder to achieve clean and affordable energy, there is a need for people to stop illegal harvest, logging and domestic use of charcoal, as it is the major contribution to global warming. the implementation of strict laws and public awareness will help to reduce such illegal actions.