Tanzania reaffirms commitment to regional cooperation

DODOMA: The Tanzanian government will continue working with member states of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to address the growing impacts of climate change in the region, an official said on Monday.

Christina Mndeme, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Environment in the Vice President’s Office, highlighted the government’s commitment during discussions in Dodoma with a delegation from Malawi’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Climate Change. The delegation was led by Tawonga Mbale-Luka, the ministry’s Director of Environment.

“Countries across the region are grappling with rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and shifting weather patterns,” Mndeme said. “Addressing these challenges requires collective action and strengthened regional cooperation.”

Mndeme highlighted Tanzania’s dedication to global climate agreements, noting the country’s ratification of frameworks such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.

She also emphasized that Tanzania is leveraging opportunities to combat climate change while fostering sustainable development. “Efforts include reviewing policies, developing regulations, and creating strategies and guidelines that promote environmental conservation and sustainable development,” she said.

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Carbon trading, Mndeme added, is a critical tool in tackling climate change. The government has established national regulations and guidelines to manage carbon trading, aiming to ensure community involvement, transparency, and adherence to international standards.

“The guidelines are designed to enhance Tanzania’s contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions while delivering tangible benefits to local communities,” Mndeme said.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of regional partnerships in addressing climate change and ensuring sustainable development for SADC member states.