By Charles Mkoka
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Tanzania has renewed calls for stronger environmental protection and sustainable development as the country marked the 40th anniversary of the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), with senior leaders urging greater collective responsibility in safeguarding natural resources.
The two-day celebrations, held on May 28 and 29 in Dar es Salaam, brought together environmental experts, development partners and stakeholders under the theme of strengthening environmental governance for sustainable national development.
Addressing the closing ceremony on behalf of Tanzania’s Vice President, Ambassador Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi, Zanzibar’s Second Vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla said environmental conservation must remain central to the country’s long-term social and economic progress.
He stressed the importance of unity, public participation and shared responsibility in addressing environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution and degradation of natural resources.
The anniversary comes as Tanzania seeks to strengthen environmental regulation while balancing rapid industrialisation and infrastructure expansion with sustainability goals.
Established in 1986, National Environment Management Council has overseen environmental compliance, impact assessments and public awareness campaigns across the country for four decades.
In recent years, the council has intensified efforts on climate resilience, pollution control and environmental education, while supporting the government’s broader green growth agenda.
The institution has reviewed and approved more than 35,000 environmental impact assessment projects since its establishment.
The anniversary events also highlighted ongoing initiatives including nationwide tree-planting campaigns, environmental awareness programmes and policy reforms aimed at strengthening enforcement powers and institutional capacity.
Speaking during the commemoration, he said Tanzania’s environmental future would depend on stronger collaboration between government institutions, the private sector and local communities.
The celebrations were held under NEMC’s broader vision of becoming a trusted authority in environmental management and sustainable national development.
