Public sector forest plantations and private and communal woodlots in Tanzania have been managed using Technical Order No 1 of 2003, prepared by the Forestry and Beekeeping Division (FBD) of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT). The use of Technical Order ensures application of best practices and thus proper establishment and management of plantations and woodlots resulting in high quality and productivity.
This Technical Order No.1 of 2021 is an improved version, taking into account new research findings, advancement in technology and the need to be inclusive of all activities in the chain of forest operations. This Order is based on proven forest best practices, cumulative traditional and scientific knowledge, experience and observed successful efforts in forestry. The Technical Order offers brief instructional statements. More details and specific elaborations are contained in the Forest Plantation and Woodlot Technical Guidelines (2017) and Integrated Fire Management Guidelines for Commercial Forestry (2019) both published by the FBD.
Justification for these improved technical instructions, among others, include need for better quality of forest stands and the final products, increased efficiency in forest operations, sensitivity to environmental protection, and acknowledging the ongoing implementation of the forest policy. Apart from public forest plantations, this Technical Order was prepared with recognition of increasing investments in woodlots, medium and large-scale commercial forestry in the country. It also considers other related sectors on enhanced fire management in different landscapes. Therefore, these instructions are prepared to provide clear objectives, practical instructions, activities and principles to be applied in order to achieve best quality forest stands and increased productivity during nursery, establishment, management and harvesting operations.
Enforcement of this Technical Order No.1 of 2021 is therefore expected to significantly enhance the quality and productivity of forest plantations and woodlots in Tanzania.
I urge that all public plantations, and other stakeholders including individual/community woodlots owners, use this Order to enhance quality and productivity of forests in order to meet the increasing wood products demand both locally and internationally.
Dr. Aloyce K. Nzuki
PERMANENT SECRETARY
To download the Forest Plantations Technical Order No 1 of 2021, please click the below link.
