Let’s use natural resources sustainably, urges Z’bar 1st VP

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR First VicePresident, Othman Masoud Othman has called on the public to use natural resources sustainably to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.

Mr Othman made the call on Wednesday at Mshaame Mata grounds in Micheweni District during the commemoration of the World Environment Day.

He noted that despite the government’s efforts to promote sustainable usage of natural resources such as forests, sea and construction materials, the earth’s ecosystems are in danger of disappearing due to irresponsible use partly due to high population growth and economic development.

He said environmental degradation and climate change are among causes of the sea water rise.

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“If current mismanagement and reckless use of natural resources persist with a rising population, our environment will be in danger, we will continue to face disasters,” said the First Vice-President, urging citizens to plant trees and stop illegal sand mining.

According to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, up to 40 per cent of the planet’s land is degraded, directly affecting half of the world’s population.

Mr Othman said World Environmental Day is the UN’s principal vehicle for encouraging awareness creation, including emphasising on taking action to protect environment and the nature at large.

“We are already experiencing loss of forests including trees which bear fruits and loss of biodiversity, contributing to climate change,” he said, urging people to support the national campaign to restore and inherit Zanzibar as green.

The minister of State in the Office of President (Environment, HIV and People with Disability) Ms Harusi Said Suleiman said at the gathering that World Environment Day is an opportunity for everyone to realise the responsibility to care for the environment and to become agents of change.

Micheweni District Commissioner (DC) Ms Mgeni Khatib Yahya said: “We are determined to plant trees in our area in response to the government’s directive to plant trees.”