PM wants action on environmental degradation at grassroots level
DODOMA: Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has called for community-level efforts at the grassroots to combat environmental degradation.
The Premier made this remark in Dodoma on Tuesday when he was closing a two-day meeting that brought together top government officials, experts, and stakeholders to discuss the state of the environment in the country.
The meeting, which was opened by Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango on Monday, focused on addressing the growing environmental challenges in the country.
According to Mr. Majaliwa, the main challenges of environmental degradation have been manifested in rural areas due to ongoing deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, and improper waste management.
He stressed the need for stronger collaboration between government bodies, experts, and communities to share knowledge, strengthen environmental education, and promote cleanliness across the country.
The PM also called for the coordination of national events aimed at raising awareness of environmental issues.
“The resolutions from this meeting, along with the government’s ongoing efforts, will serve as a roadmap in the fight against environmental degradation,” he noted.
Former CCM Secretary General, Ambassador Dr. Bashiru Kakurwa, who presented the draft resolutions, announced that the 2,500 participants from Tanzania and Zanzibar agreed on strategic measures to address environmental challenges.
Key resolutions include strengthening policies and laws, such as reviewing the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) law, which recognizes charcoal as a revenue source, and enhancing accountability at the local government level.
Other resolutions include increasing budget allocations for environmental policy implementation, fostering collaboration among environmental stakeholders, and improving strategies to raise community awareness of environmental conservation laws and policies.
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The meeting also called for the development of short- and long-term plans to educate the public on their rights and responsibilities in environmental protection and to bolster the carbon trade, with full authority given to the National Environment Management Council (NEMC).
For her part, the Minister in the Vice President’s Office, Union and Environment, Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, revealed that the meeting produced the “Dodoma Declaration,” which will be submitted to the government for formal approval before its official launch.
She said the declaration follows eight presentations made during the seminar.
She also urged all stakeholders to take action on the resolutions to address the ongoing environmental situation.
