DODOMA, Tanzania: Tanzania’s Vice-President, Emmanuel Nchimbi, has called on government ministries responsible for environmental management to work together to develop a unified national strategy aimed at strengthening environmental conservation.
Dr Nchimbi made the appeal on Tuesday in Dodoma during a meeting with ministers and environmental experts to discuss ways of improving coordination in the protection of natural resources.
The meeting brought together key officials including the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ashatu Kijaji; the Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Hamad Masauni; Deputy Minister for Water Kundo Mathew; Deputy Minister in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment) Festo Dugange; and the Permanent Secretary in the same office, Richard Muyungi.
Dr Nchimbi said environmental protection is a cross-cutting issue that affects many sectors of the economy and therefore requires coordinated action among government institutions.
“Several ministries depend directly on environmental conservation for their work,” he said, noting that the Ministry of Water, for example, can only deliver sustainable water services if natural water sources are adequately protected.
He added that expanding access to clean cooking energy could significantly reduce deforestation and help safeguard the country’s forests.
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Building a model for environmental stewardship
The Vice-President urged government leaders to intensify efforts to make Tanzania a model nation in environmental conservation, citing the country’s vast forest resources and growing pool of environmental professionals.
He also highlighted the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan in promoting environmental protection through national initiatives such as tree-planting campaigns and the broader greening agenda.
Dr Nchimbi called on authorities to ensure that tree-planting programmes are followed by proper maintenance so that the trees survive and contribute to long-term environmental restoration.
He also commended the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism for supporting national tree-planting efforts in line with the International Day of Forests.
Tanzania selected to host climate training centre
In a related development, Dr Muyungi recently announced that Tanzania has been selected to host a regional youth training centre focusing on environmental protection and climate change.
The decision was taken by the African Union Committee of Heads of State and Government on Climate Change during its 39th Ordinary Session held in Addis Ababa in February, a meeting attended by President Hassan.
According to Dr Muyungi, the centre will equip young Tanzanians with knowledge and skills in environmental management while strengthening the country’s participation in international climate discussions.
He made the remarks during a special iftar gathering for environmental stakeholders at the Institute of Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development in Bunju, Dar es Salaam.
Youth engagement in climate action
Speaking at the event, United Nations Environment Programme environmental ambassador Frida Amani emphasised the importance of youth participation in environmental protection.
“Environmental and climate issues are central to global discussions today. Young people must seize these opportunities to ensure that climate and environmental agendas translate into real change in society,” she said.
Ms Amani encouraged young people to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders in conservation initiatives.
Also addressing the gathering, Sarah Pima, secretary of the Green Samia Foundation, said the organisation has been working with authorities to support environmental programmes across the country.
She highlighted activities such as coastal clean-up campaigns and tree-planting initiatives aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of protecting natural ecosystems.