VP calls for review of laws to protect environment

DAR ES SALAAM: VICE-PRESIDENT Dr Philip Mpango has ordered a review and strengthening of environmental laws to empower the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) and district councils to take strong measures against environmental degradation.

Officiating at the workshop on the environment at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre, Dr Mpango stated that environmental pollution in cities, towns and councils remains a significant issue that requires an immediate solution.

The workshop brought together various environmental stakeholders.

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During the event, the VP also launched the State of Coastal and Marine Environment in Mainland Tanzania report. Dr Mpango noted that deforestation and other forms of environmental degradation persist despite the presence of institutions overseeing the sector.

“We have numerous institutions and bylaws in place to address these challenges, yet the problem persists,” he observed. He added, “Tanzanians should refrain from cutting trees without following proper procedures, rules, and regulations.

Additionally, councils must ensure that all companies contracted to collect waste from streets are effectively carrying out their duties.” Dr Mpango also directed the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries to support local researchers in conducting studies on how to protect the nation from desertification.

“Our researchers need support to generate findings on combating desertification. We require scientific methods and innovative technology to address this issue,” he emphasised.

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He instructed regions facing desertification to implement strong measures against the problem, suggesting tree planting and the cultivation of drought-resistant crops as affordable solutions.

Dr Mpango stressed the importance of providing environmental education to the public, asserting that every Tanzanian should participate in environmental protection and conservation efforts.

“The public needs to understand the significance of protecting the environment and utilising clean energy. This collective effort will enable us as a nation to safeguard nature and combat the impacts of climate change,” he stated.

The Vice-President also highlighted the importance of using Kiswahili in publications and brochures disseminated to educate citizens on environmental preservation issues.

Minister in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment) Dr Selemani Jafo noted that the workshop is occurring during a time when East African countries are grappling with the effects of climate change. He reported that his ministry has successfully planted 266 million trees nationwide, with 211 million trees, about 79 per cent of all planted trees, thriving.

The ministry is actively implementing the 26bn/- project aimed at restoring degraded environments in Iringa, Njombe, Mbeya, Songwe, Rukwa, and Katavi. NEMC Director Dr Immaculate Semesi stated that the council continuously evaluates and enhances its performance by advising the government on the best environmental protection measures to adopt.

Dr Semesi detailed that the country, like any other, faces environmental challenges ranging from climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and environmental degradation, to resource scarcity.

“These realities affect our daily lives in health, growth, relationships, and the economy and these adverse effects will extend to future generations if not addressed now,” she said.

“The scientific consensus is clear that urgent and decisive actions are needed to protect our environment,” she added.

She explained that the environment is a cross-cutting sector requiring collective effort in its management. The Environmental Management Act No. 20 of 2004 tasks NEMC with the responsibilities of overseeing environmental impacts in the country.

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Environmental management continues to require new and strategic approaches due to ongoing changes in ecological systems and harvesting and production technologies.

Detailing the report, Dr Julius Francis from the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) said that it was prepared in accordance with the National Strategy for the Management of Coastal and Marine Resources.

“The report contributes to the preparation of environmental reports and fulfills the requirements of the Nairobi Convention for the management and development of the marine and coastal environment in the Indian Ocean area. It is also required by other international bodies to prepare reports every five or ten years,” he said.

He explained that the publication was prepared by 18 experts from government institutions and is divided into six main sections.

The theme focuses on moving towards a Blue Economy and the contribution of coastal and marine resources.

The expert noted that Tanzania is blessed with many coastal and marine resources that provide opportunities to build a large and sustainable Blue Economy by integrating strategies from various sectors.