Abstract
Sustainable forest production and management require an understanding of how people identify and understand coastal forests ecosystems (CFEs) services and their management. This study was conducted to understand how local people are aware about status of coastal forest services and their implications on the current management options. We conducted a survey at Uzigua Forest Reserve in Bagamoyo district, Pwani Region-Tanzania. Interviews and questionnaires were used to cross-examine 178 respondents followed by one triangulation workshop to fine tune the findings and avoid biased responses. We found that, an understanding of a full range of services provided by coastal forests ecosystems is lacking. Although local people are aware of activities causing forest's degradation, still they don't have alternative livelihood means to sustain life independent of forest resources. These deficits are key factors that hinder efforts for management of coastal forests thus contributing to nonstop degradation of coastal forests along the coastal zone of Tanzania. Efforts are required to ensure that local people are aware about services and management benefits. We hope that these efforts will contribute to stop the loss of existing forest and mitigate impacts on the ecological services provided by these forests.
Highlights
IntroductionThe intimate connection of human and forest ecosystems is emanating on the fact that forest ecosystems are providers of wood, fibers, bio-energy, species, habitat, carbon sequestration and water cycling, as well as cultural and recreational value [1]
Every kind of human civilization is connected to forest ecosystems
This study was conducted at Kwaruhombo and Kwang'andu villages located within 20 Km from Uzigua Forests Reserve (UFR), which are found in Mbwewe ward (Figure.1), Bagamoyo District, Pwani region in Tanzania
Summary
The intimate connection of human and forest ecosystems is emanating on the fact that forest ecosystems are providers of wood, fibers, bio-energy, species, habitat, carbon sequestration and water cycling, as well as cultural and recreational value [1] These services are provided by forests that cover an area of 3 999 Mha globally [2].This coverage is equivalent to 31% of global land area where by 44 % of global forest area is found in tropical and another 8% is in sub-tropical countries [3]. Because of the diverse plant species that make them, Tanzanian coastal forests are included as part of the 34 world biodiversity hotspots and are considered being one of Africa's most important centers of endemism [11]. These forests face stress from the growing population, environmental degradation and the impacts of climate change [13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
