The government has reiterated its commitment to integrating environmental sustainability into Tanzania's development agenda, with renewed emphasis on soil conservation as a key pillar of food security, climate resilience and long-term economic growth.
Speaking during the Save Soil Walkathon held in Dar es Salaam on July 19, Minister of State in the Vice President's Office (Union and Environment), Eng Hamad Yussuf Masauni, said environmental protection remains a national priority under the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
He said the commitment is reflected in the Tanzania Development Vision 2050, particularly its third pillar, which identifies environmental sustainability and climate resilience as essential to achieving inclusive and green economic transformation.
Eng Masauni said healthy soils are indispensable to agricultural productivity, biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods, calling on Tanzanians to play an active role in protecting the country's natural resources.
"Healthy soil underpins food security, environmental conservation and national prosperity. Every Tanzanian has a responsibility to use land sustainably and protect the environment for the benefit of present and future generations," he said.
The minister added that Tanzania is seeking to strengthen cooperation with India in areas including technology transfer, research and innovation, capacity building, sustainable land restoration, environmental monitoring, green investment and climate adaptation.
He said the partnership would support the country's efforts to implement environmentally sustainable development programmes while enhancing resilience to the effects of climate change.
Lions Club of Dar es Salaam Mazingira President Lion Ramadevi said the Save Soil Walkathon is part of a wider campaign to raise public awareness of the importance of healthy soils to economic development, environmental conservation and social well-being.
He said the initiative aims to inspire behavioural change by encouraging communities, public institutions and the private sector to work together to safeguard soil resources and promote sustainable environmental practices.
India's Ambassador to Tanzania, Lakshay Anand, said protecting the environment is a shared responsibility and welcomed the growing public participation in conservation initiatives. He noted that safeguarding natural resources is essential for improving people's well-being and ensuring sustainable development.
The Save Soil Walkathon brought together government leaders, development partners, environmental organisations and members of the public to promote soil conservation and encourage collective action towards a more sustainable future.
