DEPARTMENT OF FOREST AND NON RENEWABLE NATURAL RESOURCES:

The Department of Forest and Non Renewable Natural Resources has aim to protect, conserve and develop forest resources for social, economic and environmental benefit of present and future generations of the people of Zanzibar.

The Department of Forest and Non Renewable Natural Resources based on Zanzibar National Forest Resources Management Plan (2010 – 2020), this plan seeks to undertake three programmes which address six operational targets and their corresponding goals objectives, strategies and activities.

Programme 1: Capacity Development

Key players in forest sector development are constrained with several issues and challenges that lead to ineffective services delivery and weak coordination. This particular target addresses one goal, five objectives, seven strategies and a number of activities to overcome issues and constraints related to capacity development in the forest sector of Zanzibar.

Operational Target 1: Forest Sector

The increasing need for effective forest services delivery and production prompted the development of this particular operational target. The target takes into account capacity development, resources mobilization, planning, monitoring & evaluation, research & development, facilitation and compliance of forestry policy frameworks

Programme 2: Biodiversity and Integrated Conservation

This programme intends to improve the livelihoods of Zanzibaris through sustainable management of wild animals and protected areas network, focusing on wetlands, soil, water and floral resources. The nature of intervention under this programme will reflect the national and global agendas on biodiversity and integrated conservation.

Operational Target 2: Protected Areas

The Forest Protected Areas (FPAs) of Zanzibar are endowed with quality ecosystems of high and unique biodiversity values illustrating the natural and cultural heritage of Zanzibar. These include endemic species and subspecies such as red colobus monkey, Ader’s duicker, Cassina jozani, Graphium parthao mackiei, Crysalidocarpus pembanus, Ensete spp, and unique ecosystems such as coral rag thickets and mash lands. There are six FPAs, covering a total area of 11,960ha. This particular target addresses six objectives, eight strategies and a number of activities

Operational Target 3:  Mangroves

Despite their economical, social and ecological importance, mangroves are under enormous utilisation pressures that threaten their existence. Exploitation for woodfuel, building materials, fish farming, settlements and salt making are downgrading the size and quality of mangrove forests. This particular target addresses three objectives, four strategies and a number of activities

Operational Target 4: Wild Animals

In spite of its size, Zanzibar harbours a significant variety of small wild animals (carnivorous and herbivorous), amphibians, reptiles, insects and birds which are endemic and under severe threats due to indiscriminating hunting and habitat destruction. Interventions related to habitats destruction are addressed under the operational targets of protected areas, coral rag forests, mangroves and farm forests. This target therefore, addresses three objectives, four strategies and an array of activities related to wild animals

Programme 3. Sustainable Forest Production and Utilization

This programme aims at meeting the market demand and efficient utilisation of forest products, including non-wood. Much of these products are expected to be sourced from sustainably managed mangroves, forest plantations, woodlots, farm and natural forests. Consideration is made on wood energy and nutritious food supply as a contribution towards the attainment of Zanzibar’s energy and food security.

Operational Target 5:  Coral Rag Forests

This particular target aims at addressing threats towards coral rag forests. These include an increasing demand for woodfuel, materials for building and handcrafting, medicinal plants, indiscriminate hunting, fire, land for agriculture, road network, settlements and tourist hotels. The target has four objectives, four strategies and a number of activities (Figure 5)

Operational Target 6:  Farm Forests

Farm forestry is mainly practiced for food security, supply of building materials, woodfuel and commercial cropping. Due to its complexity, farm forestry involves outstanding exotic and indigenous genetic materials. These genetic materials, however, are under threats due to land mining and over-cutting resulting in narrowing down of germplasm. This particular target addresses three objectives, eight strategies and a number of activities