Govt launches 94bn/- project to tackle climate change, protect biodiversity

DAR ES SALAAM: THE government has launched a 94bn/- project aimed at addressing climate change and protecting biodiversity by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and safeguarding ecosystems.

The project, titled “Positive and Inclusive Approaches to Address Climate Change and Protect Biodiversity,” is being implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

Speaking recently during the inaugural meeting of the project’s steering committee, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Hassan Abbasi said the project reflects international recognition of Tanzania’s environmental policies in tackling global challenges.

“This project is significant because it demonstrates that our national policies for addressing environmental challenges are recognised globally. These kinds of projects are few worldwide and are highly competitive to secure implementation funding,” said Dr Abbasi.

He explained that the first phase of the project will be implemented in the Tanga and Kilimanjaro regions, covering the Amani, Magamba, Nilo and Chome forest reserves, which are known for their rich biodiversity and vital water sources.

Dr Abbasi noted that over 40 per cent of Tanzania’s land area is reserved for forests and game reserves, making the country one of the global leaders in conservation.

As a result of continued conservation efforts, he said, tourist visits to forest reserves have increased sharply — from 59,000 in 2020/21 to 346,000 in 2024/25 — while revenue rose from 154m/- to 2.8bn/- over the same period.

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Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS) Conservation Commissioner, Professor Dos Santos Silayo, said the five-year initiative (2025–2030) will promote the use of clean cooking energy, electric transportation and green investments in forest reserves across the country.

UNDP Resident Representative in Tanzania, Mr Shigeki Komatsubara commended the government’s leadership, saying Tanzania has become a model in implementing Net-Zero and Nature-Positive projects.

“Our partnership with the government focuses on forest protection, strengthening clean energy initiatives and improving the livelihoods of citizens,” said Mr Komatsubara.

According to project details, GEF has contributed 4.7 million US dollars, UNDP has provided 200,000 US dollars, while the government and other partners have added more than 29 million US dollars through conservation and clean energy initiatives.