Combating Illegal Logging to Mitigate Climate Change Impact in Tanzania: A Quest for Sustainable Solutions

Abstract

This article examines the legal framework and practical challenges in protecting forests against illegal logging as a climate change vulnerability in Tanzania. By examining the nexus between illegal logging of forests and climate change, it identifies the gaps that hinder effective enforcement of the existing laws in addressing illegal logging, including ambiguous legal provisions and lenient penalties. It further identifies practical challenges, including excessive dependence on forests, corruption, and inadequate resources. The article recommends transformative reforms, emphasizing the necessity of a holistic approach integrating community engagement, promoting alternative economic activities and renewable energy sources, judicial integrity, and innovative technologies in protecting forests. Ultimately, it underscores that combating illegal logging is essential not only for protecting vital ecosystems but also for achieving climate change mitigation.