Govt empowers citizens in carbon trading

THE government has prepared a special strategy to enable Tanzanians to participate in carbon trading through the National Carbon Monitoring Centre (NCMC).

Deputy Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Mr Reuben Kwagilwa, told the National Assembly in Dodoma yesterday that under the arrangement, village governments and individuals owning private forests can engage in the trade.

Mr Kwagilwa was responding to Mbogwe lawmaker Nicodemus Maganga (CCM), who sought clarification on the government’s strategy to empower local citizens and companies to participate in carbon trading, which requires advanced technologies.

“In terms of investment, citizens and village governments can participate in carbon trading through their forest resources. Individuals owning forests are provided with guidelines to enable them to invest and earn carbon credits,” he said.

Meanwhile, Morogoro Urban legislator Mr Zuberi Mfaume (CCM) noted that Morogoro Region, particularly his constituency, is endowed with extensive forest resources, and asked when the area would be included in carbon trading initiatives.

In response, the Deputy Minister acknowledged the region’s potential and said that where forests are under village management, local councils are advised to liaise with the relevant authorities so that village leaders can be guided on procedures for participation.

Earlier, Special Seats MP Ms Josephine Kapoma asked the government to outline strategies for educating the public on carbon trading, given its growing global significance.

Mr Kwagilwa said the government, through the Vice President’s Office and NCMC, has put in place three key approaches to raise awareness. The first involves public education campaigns through media platforms such as radio, television and social media to enhance understanding of carbon trading, its benefits and opportunities.

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The second focuses on training regional, council and village leaders to act as knowledge ambassadors in their communities on carbon projects and their benefits.

“This has been ongoing since the approval of carbon trading regulations and guidelines,” he said.

The third approach entails collaboration with development partners, civil society organisations and the private sector to build community capacity on how to initiate and benefit from carbon projects.

He assured the House that the government will continue strengthening these efforts to ensure citizens are well informed and actively participate in carbon trading, enabling them to benefit economically while contributing to environmental conservation and climate change mitigation.

He added that carbon projects are being implemented in both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, with full participation from both sides of the Union.