Tanzania is targeting US$41.06 million in funding under the ninth replenishment cycle of the Global Environment Facility (GEF-9) to strengthen environmental conservation, combat climate change and restore degraded land, in a move expected to support sustainable development and protect resources that millions of people depend on for their livelihoods.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Vice-President’s Office responsible for Environment, Dr Maduhu Isaac Kazi, announced the expected funding during the opening of national consultations on GEF-9 in Dar es Salaam on October 12, 2026.
Dr Kazi said Tanzania had benefited from approximately US$53.4 million under GEF-8, with the new funding cycle providing another opportunity to strengthen efforts to protect forests, conserve biodiversity, control pollution and restore damaged land.
He emphasised that environmental protection was essential not only for conserving natural resources but also for safeguarding communities’ livelihoods and supporting the country’s long-term economic growth.
Dr Kazi called for closer cooperation between the Government, private sector, civil society organisations and development partners to ensure that environmental investments address national priorities and deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
Speaking at the meeting, Jonky Tenou, Senior Environmental Specialist and Africa Regional Coordinator at the GEF Secretariat, said the consultations would enable Tanzania to assess the performance of previous projects, identify remaining challenges and agree on priorities for the next funding cycle.
Tenou explained that GEF-9 would support initiatives addressing biodiversity loss, climate change, land degradation, chemicals and waste management, and international water resources.
The funding framework also seeks to strengthen policy coordination, encourage innovation and promote partnerships in environmental projects.
He noted that involving government institutions, businesses, civil society and development partners in project planning would help ensure that investments respond to the country's needs while delivering environmental, social and economic benefits.
Tenou added that findings from recent discussions on climate finance in Tanzania could help refine investment priorities and guide the preparation of projects for consideration under GEF-9.
Meanwhile, Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioner Fandey H. Mashimba, who manages the Tree Seed Biology Section at the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), said the agency was seeking additional funding to strengthen forest conservation, protect bee resources and promote tourism in forest reserves.
Mashimba, who spoke on behalf of Conservation Commissioner Professor Dos Santos Silayo, highlighted the importance of securing adequate resources to sustainably manage forests and other natural resources.
For citizens, stronger investment in environmental conservation could help protect water sources, preserve biodiversity, reduce environmental degradation and sustain economic activities that depend on natural resources, including agriculture, beekeeping and tourism.
The two-day national consultations, running from October 12 to 13, 2026, at Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam, aim to review previous projects, identify national priorities and develop proposals for potential funding under GEF-9.
The consultations are expected to help Tanzania identify practical environmental investments that can protect the country's natural heritage while supporting resilient communities and sustainable economic development.