Unsustainable logging and destructive mining practices: these are just two examples of threats to the abundant forests in the beautiful country of Tanzania. The government has found a simple but effective way to prevent deforestation: it lets the local forest communities take care of them. Local populations collectively decide how to manage their forest. In Tanzania, up to 14,000 elected community governments were given jurisdiction over resource rights within their local areas. They were giving training on how to create a sustainable source of income through activities like the artisanal harvesting of timber, commercial beekeeping and butterfly farming, and the sale of vegetables, insects and herbs. The community forest program turns out to be a success in Tanzania. It could work as an example for other countries around the world.
Success story: In Tanzania, local communities own and manage forests themselves
More of Today's Solutions
Alabama takes step toward better maternal health with new Medicaid access bill
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a unanimous vote on April 8, Alabama lawmakers passed legislation that could significantly improve maternal health outcomes ...
Read MoreJust one week of cold water swimming may strengthen your cells, study shows
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM If you’ve ever braved a plunge into cold water, you’re familiar with the jolt it gives your senses. ...
Read MoreBritish 13-year-old finds hoard of Bronze Age artifacts with her metal detector
Thirteen year old Milly Hardwich was using her metal detector for the first time in Royston, England when she came upon something unexpected. Milly ...
Read MoreThis MIT team designed a desert shelter for humans and animals
We have often written about animal agencies at The Optimist Daily and sharing our space on the planet with our furry or winged neighbors. ...
Read More
