Tanzania to deploy drones in forest protection

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is now banking on technology to protect its forests and has outlined plans to purchase two drones during the current fiscal year.

Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) said that apart from using patrol vehicles and motorcycles, the agency was also looking into investing in technology, including purchasing drones and other technologies to combat illegal logging.

Speaking yesterday during an event to receive four vehicles and 39 motorcycles for forest patrols from the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ms Angellah Kairuki, the commissioner for conservation at TFS, Prof Dos Santos Silayo, said there has been an increase in crimes using motorcycles and threats to officers.

The government spent a total of Sh1.5 billion on the four vehicles and 39 motorcycles for forest patrols.

“The utilisation of drone technology is important because it will help us cover a large area and leave the remainder to patrols using vehicles and motorcycles,” he said.

Prof Silayo added that, apart from drones, the agency will also increase vehicles and motorcycles for patrols before the end of the financial year.

In her remarks, Ms Kairuki said investing in various defence technologies was crucial due to the vastness of forest areas, suggesting that relying solely on vehicles and motorcycles won’t suffice in addressing illegal activities within the forest reserves.

She said that drones offer advantages in terms of surveillance and monitoring over large and sometimes inaccessible terrains, which can enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts in protecting forest reserves.

“We are committed to enhancing the sector by equipping you with the necessary tools and expertise to drive positive outcomes in forest conservation. Hence, TFS should consider investing in technologies like satellite imagery to align with global standards,” she emphasised.

She said, “I am aware that the management of forest resources is facing many challenges, especially the demand and large consumption of charcoal and firewood, but also the invasion of forest areas for various activities such as housing, agriculture, illegal mining, and livestock; therefore, more effort is needed.”

Commenting on the patrol vehicles and motorcycles, officials asked officials to ensure that the equipment reaches the relevant area, which is Vikindu Forest and Sao Hill, without delay so that they can do the intended work.

Ms Kairuki asked the TFS to ensure that the vehicles and motorcycles are used for intended purposes .