The Forest Nature Reserve (FNR) category of protected area (PA) offers the highest level of protection under the Forest Act in Tanzania. FNRs are state-owned and managed by Tanzania Forest Service (TFS). No extraction of woody or animal species is allowed in FNRs and activities are generally restricted to research, education and nature-based tourism. To date, five FNRs - Amani (8,380ha); Uluguru (24,115ha); Kilombero (134,511ha); Nilo (6,225ha); and Rungwe (13,652ha) - have been formally proclaimed. Of these, one – Rungwe - is however not yet fully operational. A further six sites representing centers of high biodiversity and endemism – Chome (14,283ha), Magamba (9,283ha), Mkingu (23,388ha), Uzungwa Scarp (32,763ha), Rondo Plateau (14,000ha) and Minziro (25,000ha) - have been proposed for proclamation as FNRs. Of these, only one – Rondo Plateau – is in the process of proclamation and operationalisation.The project comprises two components, and will be implemented over a period of five years. 1) The first component of the project will support the continued expansion of the FNR network by facilitating the gazetting of five new FNRs (Chome, Magamba, Mkingu, Minziro and Uzungwa Scarp) and improving the planning, operations and governance of these five new FNRs, as well as one existing FNR (Rungwe). It will also encourage a more consistent and cohesive approach to the planning and management of the six targeted FNRs as an integral part of the broader network of 11 FNRs. Component 1 has four key areas of project support: (i) securing the conservation status and boundaries of the six FNRs; (ii) supplementing the core staffing complement, infrastructure and equipment in the six FNRs; (iii) strengthening the governance of, and benefit sharing in, the six FNRs; and (iv) enhancing the capacity of the TFS to plan and administer the six FNRs as an integral part of the wider FNR network. 2) The second component of the project is focused on enhancing the financial sustainability of the entire network of 11 FNRs to ensure that they incrementally develop the capacity (over the longer-term) to generate adequate financial resources to cover the full costs of their management. Component two has three key areas of project support: (i) facilitating public-private partnerships in the commercial development of tourism and recreational facilities and services in FNRs; (ii) marketing the destinations, attractions, facilities and services of FNRs; and (iii) implementing other income-generating activities in targeted FNRs.