The Tanzanian government has officially launched a landmark environmental initiative aimed at protecting forests, tackling climate change, and improving the livelihoods of local communities.
The project, known as “Integrated Net-Zero Nature-Positive Solutions for Climate and Biodiversity Protection”, is valued at TZS 104 billion and is set to transform the forestry sector.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the project’s Management Committee in Dar es Salaam today, Dr. Hassan Abbasi,Parmanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, said the project is a strong testament to the commitment of President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government to sustainable development.
“This project is proof of the government’s dedication to safeguarding our environment, conserving forests, and promoting clean energy. Tanzania’s leadership in the green economy is being recognized globally, which is why partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) are joining hands with us,” Dr. Abbasi said.
The initiative will be implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, the Office of the Vice President (Union and Environment), the Ministry of Finance, the Planning Commission, UNDP, and GEF.
Mr. Shigeki Komatsubara, UNDP Resident Representative in Tanzania, who also serves as Deputy Chair of the project, pledged continued support to mobilize additional funding for initiatives that protect the environment while directly improving the lives of Tanzanians.
The project is expected to generate opportunities for local communities, from sustainable forest management and clean energy promotion to climate-smart economic activities, ensuring that environmental protection goes hand in hand with economic growth.