Lake Tanganyika states urged to strengthen sustainable management

DAR ES SALAAM: THE four countries sharing the Lake Tanganyika have been urged to strengthen regional cooperation, secure reliable conservation funding and improve resource management to protect the lake’s ecosystem and sustain the livelihoods of approximately 13 million people who depend on its basin.

The call was made on yersterday by the Chairperson of the Lake Tanganyika Authority Conference of Ministers, Dr Douty Chibamba, during the opening of a preparatory meeting ahead of the 14th Ordinary Meeting of the Conference of Ministers in Dar es Salaam.

Dr Chibamba said the meeting was intended to ensure that key technical, institutional and financial documents were thoroughly examined before being submitted to ministers for consideration and approval.

He said the preparatory session followed a resolution adopted at the 13th meeting of the Conference of Ministers in Livingstone, Zambia, last year.

The resolution called for a preparatory meeting to review important documents and facilitate informed decisions at the next ministerial conference.

“Our task is not merely to review documents, but to ensure that the issues presented are adequately analysed, that proposed actions are practical and achievable,” Dr Chibamba said.

He added that recommendations submitted to ministers should be based on sound assessments and reflect the common interests of the four riparian states.

One of the key issues under consideration is the proposed 2027 annual work plan and budget for the Lake Tanganyika Authority.

Dr Chibamba said planned activities must align with the Convention on the Sustainable Management of Lake Tanganyika and its updated Strategic Action Programme.

“It is equally important that our priorities are matched by adequate and predictable financing, including the timely fulfilment of member states’ financial obligations,” he said.

He warned that without sufficient financial and human resources, implementing agreed programmes and achieving conservation objectives would remain challenging.

The meeting is also reviewing the authority’s annual report to assess progress in implementing agreed programmes, identify outstanding challenges and recommend improvements to institutional performance.

Another major issue is the proposed dredging of the Luga River and the feasibility of constructing a regulating dam to manage water levels in Lake Tanganyika and address flood risks.

Dr Chibamba said the proposals required careful assessment because of their potential implications for communities, infrastructure, ecosystems and economic activities across the basin.

“Our consideration must be guided by scientific evidence, technical feasibility, environmental and social safeguards, and the long-term sustainability of any proposed interventions,” he said.

The delegates are also expected to examine scientific assessments of the lake’s fish stocks and related fisheries documents.

The findings are expected to inform discussions on fisheries conservation, sustainable harvesting and the protection of livelihoods dependent on aquatic resources.

Dr Chibamba further called for improvements in the authority’s governance, accountability, staffing, coordination among member states and resource mobilisation.

“A strong and effective authority is essential for translating regional commitments into measurable results on the ground,” he said.

He urged delegates to identify the challenges facing the institution and develop practical, evidence-based recommendations for the ministers.

“We must be candid in identifying the challenges facing the authority, realistic in proposing solutions and united in our determination to safeguard Lake Tanganyika for the present and future generations,” Dr Chibamba said.

On the other hand, Deputy Minister in the Vice-President’s Office responsible for Union Affairs and Environment, Reuben Kwagilwa, said Tanzania remained committed to working with other member states to protect the lake and promote sustainable economic development.

He described Lake Tanganyika as a vital natural resource, noting that its rich biodiversity and aquatic resources supported millions of people living in the basin.

“Tanzania, as a member state, will continue cooperating with all member countries to ensure that the Convention on the Sustainable Management of Lake Tanganyika is implemented fully and practically,” Mr Kwagilwa said.

He added that Tanzania is ready to work with member states and other stakeholders to protect the lake’s ecosystem while promoting a sustainable blue economy.