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NEMC hailed for best climate change adaptation strategy

DODOMA – The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) was commended at an international country exchange conference for its effective management of climate change funds and supervision of climate adaptation projects funded by the Adaptation Fund in Tanzania.

Representatives from at least 34 countries gathered in Dodoma for the annual summit, which brought together environmental watchdogs and climate change experts from the National Implementing Entities (NIEs) of the fund to discuss the progress of climate adaptation projects.

The meeting also aimed to build capacity among NIEs from developing countries worldwide.

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Fredrick Mulinda, Adaptation Fund Country Coordinator, praised NEMC for its exemplary work in implementing projects. He noted that visiting countries are keen to adopt NEMC’s strategies and project designs in their own nations.

In Tanzania, the Adaptation Fund finances projects and programs that help vulnerable communities adapt to the negative impacts of climate change. NEMC is responsible for managing the Fund’s activities.

Mulinda explained that the conference brought together similar institutions from 34 countries. “We are meeting here as part of the Fund’s secretariat’s annual routine to share experiences and insights on executing climate adaptation projects.

Delegates visited the climate adaptation project for agro-pastoral communities in Kongwa district and the strategic water harvesting project in Bahi,” he said. “The workshop concluded with sessions held in Arusha where various NIEs shared their experiences with similar activities in their respective countries.”

The delegates were impressed with the implementation reports of projects in the Kongwa and Bahi districts in Dodoma region, Manyoni in Singida region, and Nzega in Tabora region. These projects focus on enhancing drought resilience for farmers and pastoralists.

In a related development, Tanzania requested expedited reaccreditation from the Adaptation Fund to enable NEMC to continue its climate change adaptation efforts in the country.

READ: NEMC contributes 9bn/- to govt coffers

NEMC’s Director General, Dr. Immaculate Semesi, emphasized that the meeting is crucial for the Council to gain and share expertise to further the nation’s climate change adaptation efforts.

“This workshop will be a catalyst for the nation in its fight against the challenges posed by climate change,” she remarked.

Permanent Secretary in the Vice President’s Office, Engineer Cyprian Luhemeja, called on the Adaptation Fund to continue supporting Tanzania financially for its climate adaptation projects.

Luhemeja expressed gratitude to the Fund for its financial contributions and assured that the government, through the Vice President’s Office, would ensure that the funds are allocated to priority projects identified by the Fund.