Russian-Tanzanian Cooperation in Forestry Competencies
The Russian delegation included representatives of leading educational institutions, including the Kirov Saint Petersburg State Forest Engineering University (SPbSFTU), Petrozavodsk State University, Voronezh State Forest Engineering University, the Russian-African Network University (RAFU) and the Saint Petersburg Charitable Public Foundation for the Development of the Peter the Great Botanical Garden, which is the project operator.
The purpose of the visit was to strengthen cooperation in forestry and education.
On the first day of the program, a meeting was held with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the United Republic of Tanzania Andrey Avetisyan and the Head of the Russian House in Tanzania Alexander Evstigneev. This visit was the first step in a series of joint events marking the beginning of long-term cooperation.
A number of meetings were held with the management of universities and colleges that train specialists in the field of forestry, as well as research institutions of Tanzania engaged in forestry research. Scientific organizations of Tanzania expressed interest in the innovative developments of Petrozavodsk University, which can significantly improve the level of reforestation work in the country.
During the meeting, the participating universities presented their research areas, educational programs and experience of working with international students, including from African countries. A.L. Avetisyan emphasized the importance and relevance of Russian-Tanzanian cooperation in the field of forestry and the forest industry. A.A. Evstigneev expressed the readiness of the Russian House in Tanzania to facilitate joint events, online courses and academic mobility programs.
On the second day of the expedition, the delegation visited the Tanzania Research Institute (TAFORI) and the Sokoine Agricultural University in Morogoro. Participants presented their organizations, educational programs, and research areas.
On March 12, in Dodoma, the Russian delegation was received by Tanzania's Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism Pindi Chana, who expressed her readiness to support the project at all stages of its implementation.
The expedition participants also visited the Tanzania Forest Service Agency (TFS), the project's partner on the Tanzanian side.
The participants of the meeting discussed upcoming joint events, including the signing of a memorandum of understanding and the opening of competence centers in forest science and forest education in Russia and Tanzania.
As part of the expedition, the participants also visited the Institute of Forest Education and the Institute of Forestry Industries in Arusha, as well as the African Wildlife Management College, Mweka.
The college representatives expressed interest in organizing online Russian language courses for their students.
In May, a delegation of specialists from Tanzania will arrive in St. Petersburg on a return visit.
The project is being implemented with the support of the Presidential Grants Fund.
