Prime Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba has called on Tanzanians to shift their mindset and take direct responsibility for environmental conservation, warning that the protection of the environment should no longer be seen as the duty of government institutions alone.
He emphasized that environmental protection is not a slogan or theoretical discussion, but a critical foundation for human survival, economic development, and national prosperity.
“Every Tanzanian must see environmental conservation as a personal responsibility. We must change our lifestyles and how we conduct economic activities so that we protect the environment for present and future generations,” he said.
Dr. Nchemba made the remarks on Thursday, May 28, 2026, while officiating the National Environmental Stakeholders Conference and marking 40 years of the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam.
He noted that the impacts of environmental degradation and climate change are now clearly visible across Tanzania and globally, calling for urgent reforms in land use, production systems, and resource management to ensure sustainability.
“Environmental conservation is not just a slogan. It is reality. Our lives depend on the environment. While the environment can exist without humans, humans cannot survive without it,” he stressed.
The Prime Minister further pointed out that population growth, expanding economic activities, and unsustainable land use practices have increased pressure on natural resources.
He called for wider adoption of modern and environmentally friendly technologies across agriculture, livestock keeping, construction, and industrial production.
He commended President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for prioritizing environmental protection and clean energy initiatives, noting that government investments in irrigation schemes, renewable energy, and infrastructure such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) are helping reduce environmental damage.
“President Samia has shown strong leadership in transforming how we do things. She has increased investment in irrigation, enabling farmers to harvest up to three times a year.
The number of irrigation projects has grown from 13 to over 780. These are deliberate efforts to improve livelihoods,” he said.
Dr. Nchemba also urged citizens to treat environmental protection as a shared responsibility and directed NEMC to strengthen environmental education at all levels, including households, schools, and communities.
“The responsibility of protecting the environment belongs to all of us. It should not be left to NEMC alone,” he said.
He added that the government will continue to promote a green economy, clean technologies, renewable energy, circular economy systems, improved waste management, and stronger pollution control measures.
Looking ahead to the National Development Vision 2050, he said Tanzania aims to build a competitive, inclusive, and climate-resilient economy supported by science, research, and innovation in decision-making.
During the event, Dr. Nchemba launched the Tanzania Online Continuous Emission Monitoring System (TOCEMS), a digital platform that will enable real-time monitoring of environmental pollution using modern technology.
Earlier, the Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Engineer Hamad Masauni, said the government is finalizing legal reforms to strengthen the National Environment Management Council (NEMC), giving it greater enforcement authority and financial independence.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Deputy Executive Director Elizabeth Mrema praised Tanzania for its leadership in environmental conservation, describing it as a model in Africa due to strong policies, international cooperation, and effective implementation systems.
She noted that Tanzania currently hosts environmental conservation projects worth USD 54 million, making it the leading country in Africa and fourth globally in attracting such funding.
NEMC Director General Dr. Immaculate Semesi said the council’s 40th anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on achievements and strengthen strategies to address emerging environmental challenges and climate change impacts.
