The Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Philip Mpango, has called on all environmental stakeholders to maintain and expand the momentum built during the recent World Environment Day celebrations.
Speaking during the national commemoration held at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre in Dodoma, Dr. Mpango stressed the need to prioritize environmental protection as a national responsibility. “We must not let the momentum end with the celebrations,” he said.
“Let us make tree planting and the development of green parks a permanent culture. The future of our environment and the next generation depends on what we do today.”he added
Dr. Mpango also emphasized the importance of reducing dependence on firewood and charcoal for cooking, especially in institutions.
He explained that the government had banned the use of these traditional energy sources in institutions that prepare meals for more than 100 people daily.
“The government has already prohibited the use of firewood and charcoal in such institutions. Instead, they are required to switch to clean cooking energy,” he said.
As of March 2025, a total of 762 institutions had adopted clean cooking energy, with 495 of them being public institutions and 267 private.
Calling for collective responsibility, the Vice President appealed to all sectors of society to join efforts in environmental education and action.
“This mission cannot be fulfilled by government alone,” he stated. “We call on the media, government institutions, private sector, and civil society to work together in educating the public on the importance of environmental conservation.”
Highlighting the severity of the issue, Dr. Mpango cited findings that show approximately 61% of Tanzania’s land is at risk of degradation.
He attributed this to unsustainable human activities such as overgrazing, deforestation for firewood and charcoal, shifting agriculture, unregulated mining, and unplanned urban expansion.
“Our natural resources are under siege. We must act now, or our future will be compromised,” he warned.
In response to these challenges, the government has implemented a range of policy and strategic initiatives.
These include the National Environmental Policy of 2021, the National Environmental Conservation and Management Master Plan (2022–2032), and efforts to increase land surveying and customary land ownership.
The Vice President also highlighted sustainable land-use practices as key solutions. “Our approach must be holistic—combining modern technology with indigenous knowledge,” he said.
Beyond environmental matters, Dr. Mpango urged citizens to actively participate in the upcoming general elections.
He encouraged people to contest leadership positions, engage in political campaigns, and vote peacefully.
“I encourage all citizens, especially the youth, to engage in leadership by contesting for various positions, listening to candidates’ policies, and voting,” he said.
“Let us preserve our peace during nominations, campaigns, election day, and even after the results are announced.”he added
Deputy Minister in the Vice President’s Office, Khamis Hamza Khamis, also addressed the audience, stressing the need to reduce plastic use.
He said the 2025 theme emphasizes responsible production and consumption to safeguard the country’s ecosystems.
“Our goal is to protect our rivers, lakes, and oceans our very ecosystems by reducing plastic waste,” he stated.
This year’s national theme for World Environment Day is: “Our Environment and the Future of Tanzania, Let’s Act Now: Control the Use of Plastics.”
