By: Alfred Zacharia
Tanzania has made substantial strides in managing its environment, with the National Environmental Management Council (NEMC) playing a key role in overseeing the country’s environmental protection efforts.
From 2020 to 2024, NEMC achieved 68% of its set targets, balancing development and environmental preservation. However, challenges persist, and the Council is looking to build on its successes as it moves forward.
Briefing journalists today in Dodoma, Immaculata Semesi, the Director-General of NEMC, highlighted the significant achievements in managing environmental projects.
Over the four-year period, NEMC registered 8,058 projects, including 5,784 Environmental Impact Assessments (TAM) and 2,274 Environmental Audits.
"The successful implementation of the electronic registration system has allowed us to efficiently manage environmental projects. We've moved from registering only 900 projects annually to over 2,000, making a clear difference in our oversight efforts," Semesi said.
NEMC has also focused on improving the professionalism of environmental management. During this period, the Council registered 1,023 environmental experts and issued operational certificates to 503 professionals.
This effort ensures that the environmental sector is staffed with qualified individuals capable of overseeing and implementing effective policies.
"The new registration regulations introduced in 2021 have streamlined the certification process, ensuring that only qualified experts are responsible for managing our environmental projects," Semesi added.
Public awareness has also been a priority for NEMC. Over the last four years, the Council conducted 88 media programs and 20 stakeholder meetings to raise awareness about environmental issues, particularly plastic waste.
In addition, NEMC carried out inspections at 178 plastic production and distribution sites, resulting in the destruction of over 150 tons of non-compliant plastic products.
Semesi emphasized the importance of public involvement in these efforts, stating, "Tackling plastic pollution is a collective responsibility. We all need to be part of the solution, from the family level to the national level."
In its pollution control efforts, NEMC conducted 9,606 inspections across various sectors, addressing 1,483 complaints from the public, many concerning noise and vibration pollution.
The Council also ensured that major national projects, such as the Julius Nyerere Hydroelectric Power Project and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, adhered to environmental standards.
"By monitoring these large projects closely, we are ensuring that the growth and development of Tanzania do not come at the expense of our environment," said Semesi.
Hazardous waste management has been another crucial area of focus for NEMC. The Council managed and tracked over 165,000 tons of hazardous waste, including scrap metal, used batteries, tires, and e-waste.
"Our work in hazardous waste management is crucial for reducing the risks posed by toxic materials, protecting both the environment and public health," Semesi remarked.
NEMC has also supported several environmental research initiatives, which have provided valuable data to guide policy decisions.
Studies on pollution in the Mara River, coastal erosion, and water quality in Lake Victoria have been among the key research areas.
"Research is essential for shaping our policies and ensuring that our environmental management efforts are informed by the best available data," Semesi stated.
However, despite these successes, NEMC continues to face challenges.
A significant issue is the shortage of qualified environmental experts, which affects the Council's ability to fully implement its mandate.
"We need to increase the number of trained professionals in the environmental sector to ensure that we can continue to manage the growing number of projects effectively," Semesi said.
The continued misuse of plastic bags and other hazardous materials is also a challenge.
Semesi called for greater cooperation from all sectors, saying, "For NEMC to be successful in addressing these issues, we need stronger collaboration with the public, private sector, and other government agencies. Environmental protection is a responsibility that we all must share."
Semesi underscored the need for collective effort in protecting the environment, emphasizing that the government, the private sector, and Tanzanians at large must work together for meaningful environmental progress.
“The next steps will focus on building a sustainable and green Tanzania, but for this to happen, we need to continue working together, not just as institutions, but as a nation,” she remarked.
Looking ahead, NEMC is focused on improving its capacity to address environmental challenges. Semesi outlined plans to increase public awareness, improve waste management systems, and strengthen the enforcement of environmental regulations.
"We will continue working to ensure that Tanzania’s development is sustainable, with a focus on protecting our natural resources for future generations," Semesi stated.
NEMC’s efforts over the past four years have led to significant progress in environmental governance. However, challenges remain, and the Council is committed to overcoming these obstacles through increased collaboration and continued innovation.
With a strong commitment to sustainability, NEMC is well-positioned to play a key role in shaping Tanzania’s environmental future.
