Mr. Emmanuel Emil Msoffe is a seasoned forestry professional serving as a Principal Forest Officer within the Forestry and Beekeeping Division of Tanzania’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. With a career spanning over three decades, Mr. Msoffe has been instrumental in shaping sustainable forest management practices and policies in Tanzania.
Beginning his tenure in February 1990, Mr. Msoffe has accumulated extensive experience in forest conservation, policy development, and stakeholder engagement. His dedication to the sector is evident through his active participation in national and regional forestry initiatives. Notably, he served as a panelist during the African Forestry and Wildlife Commission’s 2023 session on Participatory Forest Management, highlighting his commitment to community-based conservation approaches.
Throughout his career, Mr. Msoffe has collaborated with various governmental and non-governmental organizations, contributing to the advancement of Tanzania’s forestry sector. His expertise and leadership continue to play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable forestry practices and environmental stewardship in the region.
Mr. Charles K. Meshack is the Executive Director of the Tanzania Forest Conservation Group (TFCG), a leading non-governmental organization dedicated to the conservation of Tanzania’s natural forests. With over two decades of experience in forest conservation, Mr. Meshack has been instrumental in promoting community-based forest management and advocating for sustainable environmental practices in Tanzania.
Mr. Meshack holds a Master of Research in Ecology and Environmental Management from the University of York, UK, and a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro, Tanzania . His academic background has laid a strong foundation for his work in forest ecology, conservation, and sustainable resource management.
Under his leadership, TFCG has supported over 115 communities in establishing village land forest reserves, empowering local populations to manage and benefit from their forest resources . Mr. Meshack has also been a vocal advocate for equitable and effective forest management policies, representing Tanzanian civil society in national and international forums.
In recognition of his contributions to environmental conservation and human rights, Mr. Meshack received the French Republic’s Human Rights Prize “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity 2020” for TFCG’s work on community-based forest management in Tanzania .
Beyond his organizational leadership, Mr. Meshack has contributed to academic research on topics such as REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation), sustainable charcoal value chains, and the drivers of deforestation in Tanzania . His work continues to influence conservation strategies and policies aimed at preserving Tanzania’s rich biodiversity
Mrs. Felista Boniface is a Principal Forest Officer at the Office of the President – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG) in Tanzania. With extensive experience in forest management and environmental governance, she plays a pivotal role in coordinating sustainable forestry initiatives across the country’s local government authorities. Her work focuses on integrating forest conservation with community development, ensuring that local policies align with national environmental strategies.
Mrs. Boniface has been instrumental in advancing climate change mitigation efforts, particularly through her involvement in greenhouse gas emission inventory processes. Her contributions support Tanzania’s commitments under international environmental frameworks and promote data-driven decision-making in the land use and forestry sectors.
As a dedicated public servant, she continues to advocate for sustainable forest resource management, capacity building at the local level, and the implementation of policies that balance ecological preservation with socio-economic development.