What You Need to Know
The Tanzania Forestry Services Agency (TFS) and the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) have initiated the “Greening Railway Corridor” program, planting 1,000 trees as part of a larger goal of 10,000 trees. This initiative aims to restore natural vegetation lost during railway construction and combat climate change effects in surrounding areas.
Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE Tanzania Forestry Services Agency (TFS) Central Zone, in collaboration with the Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC), has begun the implementation of the “Greening Railway Corridor” program by planting 1,000 trees in the first phase of 10,000 trees planned to be planted along the Central Railway (MGR) and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
The program aims to restore natural vegetation lost during the construction of railway infrastructure while enhancing environmental conservation and reducing the impacts of climate change in areas surrounding the railway.
The tree planting exercise took place from April 9 to 16, 2026, involving various areas along the SGR railway at Samia Suluhu Hassan Dodoma, Igandu, Gulwe, Kidete, Kilosa, and Mkata stations.
In addition, on the Central Railway (MGR), tree planting has been carried out at Dodoma and Kilosa stations, where various stakeholders, including employees of those institutions and citizens of the relevant areas, actively participated.
Speaking during the exercise, the Environmental Officer of TRC Headquarters, Mohamed Yusuph Mdeme, urged station managers (Station Masters) to ensure that the planted trees are properly cared for by watering, weeding, and providing all necessary services so that they can grow and thrive as intended.
He explained that the success of the program will not only depend on tree planting but also on the sustainability of its care.
On the part of TFS, TFS Conservator Enos Samamba Enos, who led the exercise on behalf of the Central Zone Commander, said that the collaboration between the institutions is an important step in ensuring that development projects are consistent with environmental conservation.
The Greening Railway Corridor program reflects Tanzania’s commitment to environmental sustainability, particularly in the face of rapid infrastructure development. The loss of natural vegetation during railway construction has raised concerns about ecological balance and climate change impacts, prompting initiatives like this to restore green cover and promote biodiversity. Collaborative efforts between governmental agencies and local communities are essential for the success of such environmental programs, ensuring that development aligns with conservation goals.
