DAR ES SALAAM, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The Tanzanian government said Monday it will use security organs to curb wanton tree felling in the East Usambara Mountains Forests.
Jumanne Maghembe, the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, said tree felling in the mountains, home to Tanzania's first nature reserve, reached alarming levels.
"We will use security organs to catch illegal chain saw wielding loggers who are destroying our rare natural reserve," said Maghembe when closing the 5th Tanga International Trade Fair (TITF) in the Tanga city.
The minister also announced a ban on tree felling in the East Usambara Mountains Forests, a range in the Eastern Arc Mountains.
Maghembe urged Tanga residents to protect natural resources and use them as opportunities for attracting investment in tourist-based resources.
He said information reaching him indicated that illegal logging was on the increase in Amani Nature Reserve, located in the East Usambara Mountains Forests, which boasts rare flora and fauna not found anywhere else in the world.
He said Tanga region had ample unique natural resources that could help in the growth of tourism and accelerate economic development in the region
