The Minister of State in the President’s Office, Engineer Hamad Yussuf Masauni, has praised the progress Tanzania has made in protecting the environment and addressing climate change.
He noted that including environmental and climate issues in the National Development Vision 2050 marks a major step toward sustainable development.
Speaking at a government seminar for the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water and Environment in Dodoma on February 13, 2026, Masauni emphasized the country’s commitment to building strong institutions and policies that support environmental management.
He highlighted the creation of the National Carbon Monitoring Centre and the National Climate Change Committee, as well as the integration of environmental considerations into government policies, strategies, development plans, and budgets.
Hon. Masauni also spoke about efforts to reduce pollution from mercury used in gold mining across regions such as Geita, Mwanza, Mara, Shinyanga, Singida, Mbeya, and Songwe.
He said that laboratories and monitoring equipment have been set up to track mercury levels in water, air, and soil, while model centers have been established to promote safe gold processing practices and raise awareness among miners.
Meanwhile, Jackson Kiswaga, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water and Environment, reminded citizens that environmental protection is everyone’s responsibility.
He stressed the importance of education so communities can understand how to manage waste properly and participate in sustainable practices, starting at the local level.
Kiswaga concluded by urging all Tanzanians to play their part, emphasizing that small actions today can lead to a cleaner, safer, and greener environment for future generations.