DODOMA: THE government has introduced a five per cent levy on timber royalties to finance tree-planting programmes and strengthen forest conservation efforts across the country.

Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hamad Hassan Chande, told the National Assembly yesterday that the levy is being collected through the Tanzania Forest Fund (TaFF) to support restoration of degraded forests and ensure sustainable management of forest resources.

He said this while responding to a basic question from Deodatus Mwanyika (Njombe Urban, CCM), who sought clarification on whether the government had plans to require timber harvesters to contribute directly to reforestation programmes or forest conservation funds.

Mr Chande said the government recognises the role of timber harvesters and forest-based businesses in supporting efforts to restore forests through tree planting.

“As a result, the government, through Government Notice No. 132 issued on February 21, 2025, introduced a levy equivalent to five per cent of the royalty paid to the government by every timber harvester as a contribution towards tree-planting activities,” he said.

He said that the levy currently applies to timber harvested from government-owned forests and forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure forest resources are replenished for future generations.

The deputy minister said the government is monitoring implementation of the levy and may consider extending the arrangement to timber harvesters operating in privately owned forests.

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“If there is a need to widen the scope of this contribution, the government will amend the relevant regulations so that timber harvesters in private forests can also participate in supporting reforestation initiatives,” he said.

In supplementary questions, Mr Mwanyika urged the government to establish a framework that would encourage timber traders, investors and other stakeholders to participate actively in tree-planting programmes.

He also proposed incentives for stakeholders in horticultureproducing areas to support environmental conservation through increased tree planting.

Responding, Mr Chande said the government would assess the proposals and engage relevant stakeholders to explore practical ways of expanding participation in forest restoration programmes.

He said regions involved in horticulture production would also benefit from increased production and distribution of tree seedlings to strengthen environmental conservation efforts.

Mr Chande said the government remains committed to protecting forest resources while ensuring their sustainable use for economic development, adding that it will continue reviewing measures aimed at expanding reforestation initiatives nationwide.

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