By Alfred Zacharia
The Tanzanian government is reviewing proposals to amend the Environmental Management Act, Chapter 191, with the potential to elevate the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) to a full authority.
Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Engineer Hamad Yusuf Masauni, confirmed this while addressing Parliament in Dodoma on February 7, 2025.
Among the key proposals under consideration are the transformation of NEMC into an independent regulatory authority, the enactment of a Blue Economy law, and the legal recognition of the National Carbon Monitoring Centre (NCMC).
Masauni assured lawmakers that these recommendations are being seriously evaluated and that the government has already devised a comprehensive action plan.
“As we committed to the committee, Honorable Speaker, I stand before you to reaffirm that we are diligently working on every recommendation provided. Up to this point, we have ensured that no single directive has been overlooked. We are making significant progress,” said Masauni.
The proposal to elevate NEMC’s status reflects a broader ambition to enhance environmental governance and regulatory effectiveness. Currently, NEMC operates under the Vice President’s Office with a mandate to oversee environmental compliance.
However, transforming it into a full-fledged authority would grant it greater autonomy, potentially expediting decision-making and enforcement actions.
The introduction of a Blue Economy law also aligns with Tanzania’s strategic objectives to leverage its vast marine resources for economic development while ensuring sustainability.
This legal framework would provide structured guidelines for ocean-based industries, including fisheries, tourism, and maritime transport.
Additionally, the formal legal recognition of NCMC underscores the growing importance of climate change mitigation in national policy.
The center plays a critical role in tracking carbon emissions and ensuring Tanzania meets its international environmental commitments.
Earlier, presenting the 2024 annual report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water and Environment, committee chairperson Jackson Kiswaga emphasized the significance of training local experts in environmental impact assessment.
He reported that between February and December 2024, the Vice President’s Office successfully trained 75 personnel, equipping them with skills essential for conducting comprehensive environmental reviews.
The proposed reforms indicate a policy shift towards stronger environmental governance, aligning with Tanzania’s broader economic and ecological sustainability goals.
As deliberations continue, stakeholders anticipate that these changes will bolster the country’s ability to address environmental challenges effectively while fostering responsible economic growth.
