The Government has called on Ministries, public institutions, the private sector, researchers and civil society organisations to fully seize the opportunities presented by Tanzania’s hosting of the 12th Conference of Parties (COP12) to the Nairobi Convention, scheduled to take place in the country.
The call was made on July 2, 2026, in Tanga Region by the Deputy Minister in the Office of the Vice President (Union and Environment), Reuben Kwagilwa, while delivering the Government’s statement on Tanzania’s preparations ahead of the international meeting expected to be held from October 6 to 9 this year.
Kwagilwa said Tanzania’s role as host of COP12 is a major milestone that places the country at the centre of regional and global efforts to strengthen the protection and sustainable management of marine and coastal ecosystems.
He noted that during the 11th Conference of Parties held in Madagascar in 2024, Tanzania was elected Chair of the Nairobi Convention Bureau for a two-year term ending in December 2026, while also being selected to host COP12.
According to him, COP12 will review the implementation of the 2024–2026 Action Plan of the Convention and deliberate on key environmental priorities, including the conservation and restoration of critical marine ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs and seagrass beds.
“The conference will provide an important platform for reviewing progress and strengthening collective action in protecting marine and coastal ecosystems that are vital for biodiversity, livelihoods and climate resilience,” Kwagilwa said.
He added that the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania continues to prioritise environmental protection and the sustainable management of marine and freshwater resources, including oceans, rivers, lakes, groundwater and wetlands, as part of its broader development agenda.
Kwagilwa further highlighted that Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050 recognises the Blue Economy as one of the strategic sectors expected to drive structural transformation, enhance inclusive growth, and contribute to socio-economic and ecological development.
He said Tanzania, as a coastal nation, stands to benefit significantly from the Blue Economy through fisheries, energy, maritime transport, tourism, mining, environmental conservation and industrial development.
He stressed that COP12 will therefore place the country in a stronger position to advance sustainable development priorities while strengthening international cooperation.
On her part, Tanga Regional Commissioner, Ambassador Dr. Batilda Burian, said research findings in the region indicate that climate change impacts are already significantly affecting fishing activities and aquaculture, particularly seaweed farming, which is a key livelihood for coastal communities.
She said studies conducted between 2021 and 2025 show that sea surface temperatures have risen from 25.6 degrees Celsius in 2021 to 28.39 degrees Celsius in 2024.
This increase, she noted, is altering marine ecosystems and affecting productivity in the fisheries sector.
“We have witnessed an increase of almost three degrees in sea temperature. The number of fishing days has also declined from 221 days in 2021 to about 170 days due to strong winds and safety risks at sea. In addition, fish catch has declined by between 25 and 30 percent,” Dr. Burian said.
She added that these changes underscore the urgency of strengthening climate adaptation measures and investing in sustainable marine resource management to safeguard coastal livelihoods.
Earlier, the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Vice President (Environment), Ambassador Baraka Luvanda, said COP12 is expected to bring together between 500 and 600 participants, including government leaders, technical experts and various stakeholders from across the region and beyond.
He said the Government’s statement aims to provide a foundation for comprehensive preparations, including identifying national priorities and developing coordinated strategies to ensure Tanzania’s effective participation and successful hosting of the conference.
The Nairobi Convention, under which COP12 will be held, is a regional framework for the protection, management and development of the marine and coastal environment of the Western Indian Ocean.
The Convention was adopted on June 21, 1985, and is implemented under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Tanzania’s hosting of COP12 is therefore expected to enhance its leadership role in regional environmental governance while strengthening collaboration among member states in addressing the growing challenges of climate change, marine pollution and biodiversity loss.
