Zanzibar President pushes for stronger environmental protection, ocean conservation and sustainable development partnership with UN agency
Zanzibar President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has held talks with the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Inger Andersen, aimed at strengthening cooperation on environmental protection, climate change response, and sustainable use of marine resources.
The meeting took place on 17 June 2026 in Mombasa, Kenya, where the two leaders discussed practical ways to support countries in the region to better protect the environment while also improving livelihoods through sustainable development.
During the discussions, President Mwinyi highlighted Zanzibar’s commitment to protecting its environment and ensuring that natural resources are used in a responsible way that benefits citizens.
He stressed that the blue economy remains a key pillar in Zanzibar’s development agenda, particularly in fisheries, tourism, and marine-based economic activities that directly support communities.
He noted that cooperation with international partners such as UNEP is important in strengthening national capacity to address environmental challenges, including climate change impacts, coastal erosion, marine pollution, and loss of biodiversity.
He added that such partnerships help ensure that development does not come at the expense of the environment.
UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Tanzania and other countries in tackling environmental challenges.
She emphasized that protecting oceans and coastal ecosystems is essential for food security, jobs, and long-term economic stability, especially for communities that depend directly on marine resources.
She further underscored the urgency of collective action to address climate change, warning that its impacts are already being felt through rising sea levels, changing weather patterns, and increased pressure on natural ecosystems.
The two leaders also explored areas of expanded cooperation, including restoration of degraded ecosystems, strengthening climate resilience in coastal communities, improving environmental education, and promoting green economic opportunities that create jobs while protecting nature.
President Mwinyi expressed appreciation to UNEP for its continued technical and policy support to Tanzania and Zanzibar.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the agency to ensure that environmental protection and economic development move together for the benefit of citizens.
The meeting was described as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional and international partnerships in addressing environmental and climate challenges, particularly for island and coastal nations that are highly vulnerable to climate change.
Both sides agreed to continue working closely to advance environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth, with a shared focus on protecting natural resources for present and future generations.
