Summary
Environmental management plans at the district level are a legal requirement and are a crucial tool in addressing various environmental challenges facing local councils across the country.
By Prosper Makene
DODOMA: In efforts to ensure Tanzania achieves its goal of becoming a green country by 2050, INADES -Formation Tanzania, in collaboration with the Vice President’s Office (Environment Department), has organized a working session to develop the Bahi District Environmental Management Plan, involving experts from Chemba and Kondoa districts.
Opening the session at the Vice President’s Office in Mtumba, Dodoma Capital City, the Acting Director of Environment from the Vice President’s Office (Department of Environment), Dr. Paul Deogratius, said the participation of Chemba and Kondoa districts will help facilitate the exchange of experience in the process of developing the plan for Bahi District.
He explained that environmental management plans at the district level are a legal requirement and are a crucial tool in addressing various environmental challenges facing local councils across the country.
“Nationally, more than 13 environmental challenges have been identified, with each district facing its own unique challenges depending on the local environment and economic activities taking place in the area. Therefore, having an environmental management plan is essential in providing guidance on how to address these challenges,” said Dr. Deogratius.
He added that the preparation of this plan will help Tanzania implement strategies to combat the impacts of climate change and achieve the goal of becoming a green country by 2050.
For her part, the Director of INADES-Formation Tanzania, Ms. Jacqueline Nicodemus, said collaboration with the Vice President’s Office is vital to ensure the plans are developed in line with national guidelines, policies, and strategies for environmental management and conservation.
She further requested the Office to participate in the launch of the environmental management plans for Chemba and Kondoa districts, stating that such participation would provide momentum and motivate various stakeholders to recognize the importance of environmental conservation for the country’s sustainable development.
Participants of the session emphasized that the environmental management plans for these districts should align with national priorities, including the National Development Vision 2050, national development master plans, the National Environmental Policy, and other environmental conservation guidelines.
They also highlighted the importance of receiving professional guidance from the Vice President’s Office – Department of Environment during the stages of preparing and reviewing the draft Environmental Management Plan for Bahi District, to ensure it meets national standards and requirements.
