Dr Mpango calls for the active implementation of environmental greening
DODOMA: RETIRED Tanzanian Vice President, Dr. Phillip Mpango, has urged Tanzanians to actively implement the “Greening the Environment” initiative to build a healthy and environmentally friendly Tanzania.
That was revealed during the special visit conducted by the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) to the home of the retired Vice President in Mayamaya, Dodoma Region, where fruitful discussions were held on the state of the environment in the country.
During the discussions, Dr. Mpango expressed deep concern about the increasing rate of environmental degradation across Tanzania, emphasizing the need for stronger efforts to protect conservation areas and promote sustainable land use.
He noted that many protected areas have been encroached upon, numerous rivers have been diverted unlawfully, and hydroelectric dams are facing destruction due to human activities. Furthermore, he pointed out that the timber and charcoal trade continues to fuel deforestation, accelerating the degradation of the country’s forests.
Dr. Mpango highlighted challenges such as unmanaged livestock grazing, unregulated land cultivation, and the spread of invasive plant species, calling for robust national strategies to address them.
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He stressed that NEMC should be empowered further to enforce environmental laws and regulations, stating, “The voice of NEMC should no longer be that of a lone cry in the wilderness.”
Dr. Mpango urged the government and the public to actively implement the “Greening the Environment” initiative, suggesting the establishment of green parks and botanical gardens in major cities and towns as part of building healthy and environmentally friendly urban areas.
“As a nation and as cities, we must ask ourselves—what steps have we taken to protect and restore our natural vegetation? It is entirely possible to maintain a healthy environment if we regulate our activities in accordance with the laws and plans we have set,” Dr. Mpango emphasized.
On her part, NEMC Director General Dr. Immaculate Sware Semesi commended Dr. Mpango for his vision and valuable advice, pledging to incorporate his insights in strengthening ongoing efforts toward sustainable environmental conservation and management in Tanzania.
The visit, conducted by the Council’s management team, was described as an important step in fostering collaboration between government institutions and retired leaders with vast experience, aimed at ensuring that Tanzania remains a clean, safe, and ecologically sustainable nation.
