The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) is stepping up Tanzania’s voice in global climate negotiations as it participates in the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP-30), taking place in Bélem, Brazil, from November 3 to 21, 2025.
The engagement is expected to unlock new funding, boost partnerships, and bring practical benefits to communities most affected by climate change.
NEMC Board Chairperson Engineer Mwanasha Tumbo, who is leading the delegation alongside Vice Chairperson Advocate Alex G. Mgongolwa, has encouraged the team to use the summit to secure new project financing that will support Tanzania’s long-term environmental goals under the National Vision 2050.
She emphasised that global forums like COP-30 offer an important chance for Tanzania to strengthen resilience, especially in areas hit hardest by rising temperatures, coastal erosion, and unpredictable rains.NEMC Director General Dr. Immaculate Sware Semesi has been leading high-level bilateral meetings to secure partnerships and advance ongoing climate projects.
In one of the major discussions, the African Development Bank (AfDB) confirmed that a new USD 15 million climate adaptation project submitted by NEMC is ready to begin.
The project will support communities in Dar es Salaam, Pwani and Pemba, areas where flooding, sea-level rise and coastal degradation pose increasing risks.
Dr. Semesi also met with the Adaptation Fund Secretariat to push for the completion of NEMC’s second reaccreditation an important requirement for the Council to continue accessing international climate finance. She further pressed for the final review of Tanzania’s project proposals valued at USD 35 million.
The Adaptation Fund assured NEMC that reaccreditation will be finalised within weeks, paving the way for new resources to flow to Tanzania.
In additional progress, the Adaptation Fund has approved the annual reports for two ongoing climate projects SWAHAT and Bunda and released nearly USD 400,000 to support the final stages of implementation.
These projects are helping rural communities adapt to shifting weather patterns, improve water security, and safeguard farms and natural resources.
Alongside these engagements, Dr. Semesi has represented Tanzania in a wide range of technical sessions and side events, opening new collaboration pathways with institutions such as the National Water Fund, Pew Charitable Trust, World Bank, Global Climate Mobility, Global Methane Hub, IUCN, and Ocean Vision.
The new partnerships are expected to expand Tanzania’s access to climate funding, research, and modern environmental management tools.
The NEMC delegation also includes technical experts Dr. Careen Kahangwa, Mr. Fredrick Mulinda, Mr. Paul Kalokola, Ms. Jackline Nyantori, and Mr. Rahim Kantinga, who are supporting project negotiations and policy sessions.
NEMC’s active role at COP-30 signals Tanzania’s determination to protect vulnerable communities, scale up climate adaptation programmes, and strengthen environmental governance.
The outcomes of the summit are expected to support national efforts to safeguard coastlines, improve local resilience, and drive sustainable development across the country.