Mwanza Regional Administrative Secretary Balandya Elikana has reaffirmed the region’s commitment to environmental conservation, describing it as a key pillar in Mwanza’s development agenda.
Mr Elikana made the remarks on Thursday, May 29, 2026, during a meeting with a team of experts from the Vice President’s Office who visited the region to assess preparations for the 2026 World Environment Day celebrations.
He said Mwanza has continued to support government initiatives aimed at strengthening environmental protection through public awareness campaigns, tree planting activities and community clean-up exercises.
According to him, the regional secretariat, in collaboration with district councils, is also finalising plans to involve more young people in forest conservation programmes as part of efforts to create employment opportunities while protecting natural resources.
“Mwanza has several forest reserves, including Buhindi Forest in Buchosa District. We want such areas to be utilised effectively in ways that benefit young people because environmental conservation can also create jobs,” said Mr Elikana.
He noted that the region recently hosted Lake Victoria Day celebrations, which focused on promoting environmental conservation around the lake due to its significant contribution to economic and social activities.
The celebrations, he explained, formed part of the implementation of resolutions by the East African Community through the Lake Victoria Basin Commission.
“We carried out several activities, including the planting of about 2,500 trees at the Butimba water project area,” he said.
Senior Forestry Officer Lucas Sabida, who led the delegation from the Vice President’s Office, commended Mwanza Region for its ongoing efforts in mobilising communities to participate in environmental conservation initiatives.
Mr Sabida said the Vice President’s Office has continued to receive strong cooperation from environmental experts in the region, making Mwanza one of the country’s leading regions in promoting environmental awareness and conservation.
The team from the Vice President’s Office is in Mwanza to coordinate regional activities for World Environment Day, which will be marked on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
Mwanza Regional Commissioner Said Mtanda is expected to officiate the event.
This year’s World Environment Day celebrations are being held under the theme: “Vision 2050: Let Us Take Responsibility for Greening Tanzania.”
