Tanzania banks on its carbon trading to create new jobs and boost rural communities’ income
ANTALYA: TANZANIA’S carbon trading sector is expected to create new employment opportunities and boost incomes, particularly among rural communities, through tree planting, conservation and participation in carbon markets.
Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Hamad Masauni, said this on Thursday noting that the growing sector presents economic opportunities throughout the value chain, from seedling production and tree planting to forest management and carbon trading.
He said communities will benefit economically while contributing to environmental conservation, making carbon trading an important avenue for sustainable development.
The minister made the statement when speaking to journalists in Antalya, Turkey, where he is attending the 31st Conference of Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
“The government is working hard to ensure citizens understand the opportunities available in carbon trading and how they can participate and benefit financially,” he said.
The minister said he has directed the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), in collaboration with the National Carbon Monitoring Centre (NCMC), to intensify public education on the sector and its potential economic benefits.
He stressed that carbon trading offers a dual benefit by supporting environmental conservation through tree planting and maintenance while creating jobs and generating income for communities involved in the activities.
Moreover, Mr Masauni credited President Samia Suluhu Hassan with advancing the sector through the establishment of a National Carbon Trading Centre and improvements to policies and laws governing carbon trading.
He said the measures are intended to strengthen the operating environment for carbon trading and position it as a driver of economic development and sustainable environmental conservation.
