The Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Environment), Engineer Hamad Masauni, has called for stronger practical action in environmental conservation, saying that policies and statements alone are not enough unless they are backed by visible efforts such as tree planting and proper care of trees.
He made the remarks on May 15, 2026, in Kilosa District, Morogoro Region, during a tree-planting exercise aimed at restoring natural vegetation and strengthening environmental protection.
The exercise is part of preparations for World Environment Day, which will be marked on June 5 this year, with the national celebrations expected to take place in Dodoma.
Masauni said Tanzania’s Vision 2050 carries major national ambitions, which can only be achieved through innovation, commitment, and strong implementation of environmental and climate change strategies.
He noted that environmental protection is one of the key pillars of the vision and must be treated as a shared responsibility across all sectors.
He warned that the effects of climate change are already being felt in different parts of the country, including unpredictable weather patterns, floods, and prolonged droughts.
He said these challenges highlight the need for stronger national efforts to build resilience and protect the environment for both present and future generations.
Masauni added that although the benefits of tree planting may not be immediately visible, its impact is long-term and critical for the country’s future.
He urged citizens to see tree planting as an investment in the next 50 years, when today’s young generation will be shaping Tanzania’s development.
He commended Kilosa District and the wider Morogoro Region for actively involving students from primary and secondary schools in environmental conservation activities, saying such efforts help build awareness and responsibility from an early age.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Vice President’s Office (Environment), Ambassador Baraka Luvanda, said the tree-planting campaign in Morogoro began a day earlier, with more than 40,000 trees already planted as part of ongoing environmental restoration efforts.
Kilosa District Commissioner Shaka Hamdu Shaka, speaking on behalf of the Morogoro Regional Commissioner, said the district has set a target of planting 1.5 million trees and has been implementing tree-planting campaigns consistently for the past five years.
He added that Kilosa has frequently been affected by floods, and the government is planning to construct water reservoirs along the Mkondoa River to help control flooding.
He said tree planting will support these efforts by protecting catchment areas, improving water systems, and contributing to long-term economic development in the district.
