In December 2024, the Tanzania Research and Conservation Organization (TRCO) had the privilege of hosting six enthusiastic volunteers from Canada. These individuals were deeply interested in TRCO’s conservation work and programs across various ecosystems in Tanzania.
During their visit, the visitors traveled to western Tanzania, where TRCO is actively engaged in pangolin conservation and ecological restoration through tree planting projects. As part of their itinerary, they explored key protected areas such as Burigi-Chato National Park and the Minziro Nature Forest Reserve—both critical habitats for three pangolin species found in the region.
In addition to field visits, the visitors engaged with local communities through environmental education and restoration activities. They visited primary schools in the Minziro area, where they participated in tree planting initiatives alongside local residents and district officials, including the District Game Officers from Missenyi.
TRCO has partnered with the Missenyi District Office to advance ecological restoration efforts in the Bushenyi Forest Reserve and its surrounding catchment areas. This initiative aims to restore degraded forest land while simultaneously enhancing local livelihoods. As part of this partnership, TRCO facilitated the production of 35,000 native tree seedlings. These seedlings were planted in deforested zones and critical watershed areas, with a portion distributed to schools and local communities for planting around homes and public spaces.
The Bushenyi Forest Reserve, which spans approximately 9,000 hectares, has suffered extensive degradation, with an estimated 4,000 hectares in need of restoration. Through this program, TRCO successfully planted 16,000 seedlings in degraded sections of the reserve.
In addition to learning about tree planting techniques and the importance of forest restoration, the visitors also gained valuable insights into the conservation challenges and needs surrounding pangolins, one of the world’s most trafficked mammals. They learned about the threats facing these species, TRCO’s ongoing research and protection efforts, and the urgent need for stronger community involvement in conservation.
Moreover, they were introduced to the pressing issue of human-elephant conflict in the region. Through discussions with local leaders and conservation practitioners, they explored how communities and wildlife can coexist in the area.
This collaborative effort not only supported forest restoration but also created a meaningful opportunity for international visitors to contribute to conservation work in Tanzania. Their involvement in pangolin and habitat conservation, human-elephant coexistence initiatives, and seedling preparation helped strengthen global awareness and fostered deeper engagement in local conservation and restoration efforts.
