By Charles Mkoka
Tanzania’s environmental authorities have called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, businesses, young people and communities to protect natural resources while supporting sustainable economic growth.
Speaking during Environment Day celebrations held alongside the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Sabasaba), NEMC said environmental protection remains a critical pillar in achieving the country’s long-term development goals, including the implementation of the Tanzania Development Vision 2050.
NEMC commended the government, through the Vice President’s Office, for providing policy direction and continued support for environmental management programmes, while also recognising the organisers of the trade fair for creating a platform that enabled wider public engagement on environmental issues.
According to organisers, the celebrations served as an important opportunity to raise public awareness on environmental conservation and encourage greater participation in sustainable development initiatives.
Through the Environment Village exhibition area, visitors received information on environmental protection, climate action, waste management and responsible investment practices.
A major focus of the awareness campaign was the importance of conducting environmental and social impact assessments before the implementation of development projects.
NEMC said the process helps ensure that investments and infrastructure projects are carried out in ways that safeguard ecosystems, protect communities and promote sustainable growth.
Participants were also encouraged to adopt better waste management practices, including separating waste at source and supporting recycling initiatives.
Environmental experts emphasised that waste should increasingly be viewed as an economic resource capable of creating jobs, supporting entrepreneurship and contributing to the growth of the green economy.
The council further highlighted the need to address environmental pollution caused by excessive noise, stressing that economic activities and urban development should not compromise public health and wellbeing.
Visitors were also educated on environmental auditing procedures and compliance requirements designed to ensure that projects continue to meet national environmental standards.
NEMC noted that environmental professionals play an important role in supporting environmental impact assessments, compliance monitoring and broader sustainability efforts, underscoring the need for continued professional development and adherence to regulatory standards.
The celebrations placed particular emphasis on youth participation, with organisers describing young people as a driving force behind future environmental solutions.
Through innovation, entrepreneurship, recycling initiatives and environmentally friendly technologies, youth were encouraged to take advantage of emerging opportunities within the green economy.
NEMC added that environmental conservation cannot be achieved by government alone and requires active participation from all sectors of society, including educational institutions, businesses, media organisations, artists and local communities.
The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) said it would continue strengthening partnerships with stakeholders across the country to promote environmental awareness, enforce environmental laws and ensure that economic development progresses alongside the protection of Tanzania’s natural resources.
The council also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with young people, artists and media practitioners as part of broader efforts to educate the public, inspire behavioural change and support the country’s sustainable development agenda.
