National Environment Management Council (NEMC) Director General Dr Immaculate Sware Semesi has been honoured for her contribution to environmental conservation and management in Tanzania.
Dr Semesi received the honorary award during the Fisheries and Aquaculture Research for a Sustainable Blue Economy (FARViBE 2026) International Scientific Conference held at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) in Dar es Salaam from August 24 to 27, 2026.
The award was presented by Zanzibar Deputy Minister for Fisheries and Blue Economy, Mhe Mboja Ramadhan Mshenga.
However, Dr Semesi was represented at the ceremony by NEMC Eastern Northern Zone Manager, Ms Glory Kombe, who received the award on her behalf.
The recognition highlights Dr Semesi’s contribution to Tanzania’s environmental sector, particularly efforts to strengthen environmental conservation and management as a foundation for sustainable development.
Speaking during the award presentation, Mr Mshenga stressed the importance of strengthening efforts to conserve and sustainably manage marine ecosystems, saying healthy marine resources were essential to the growth of the fisheries sector and the blue economy.
He said economic development should go hand in hand with protection of marine resources to ensure they continue benefiting both current and future generations.
“Conservation and sustainable management of marine resources are critical to the development of fisheries and the blue economy,” Mr Mshenga said.
NEMC participated in FARViBE 2026 to present and discuss issues related to environmental conservation and management, particularly the protection of marine ecosystems and their contribution to sustainable fisheries and the blue economy.
The conference brought together researchers, experts and other stakeholders from Tanzania and abroad to discuss research, innovation and technologies that could support sustainable development in fisheries and the wider blue economy.
The discussions also focused on strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and promoting evidence-based approaches to the management and sustainable use of marine resources.
The recognition comes as Tanzania continues to place greater emphasis on environmental sustainability and responsible use of natural resources in line with its long-term development aspirations, including the Tanzania Development Vision 2050.