Journalists from the Northern and Central Environmental Media Networks are encouraged to focus on investigative reporting that drives policy reforms and promotes accountability.

During a training session for environmental journalists organized by the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) in partnership with the Media Institute for Indigenous and Community Affairs (MAIPAC), the Director of the Union of Tanzania Press Clubs (UTPC), Kenneth Simbaya, and the Director of MAIPAC, Mussa Juma, emphasized that the era of event-based reporting has passed.

Simbaya emphasized the significance of modern journalism, advocating for journalists to focus on writing stories that drive policy and legal reforms rather than merely reporting daily events.

“LHRC and MAIPAC have organized this training to equip you with the tools to investigate environmental issues that spark change, while adhering to ethical standards,” Simbaya said.

On his part, Juma encouraged journalists to prioritize investigative reporting that fosters accountability within communities, but also reminded them to respect ethical standards, cultural values, and traditions in their work.

“Let us write stories that highlight gaps in policies, regulations, and laws, but also those that increase public participation and enable better decision-making,” Juma stated.

In his presentation on reporting for Indigenous communities, Juma urged journalists to respect the cultural norms and traditions of these communities, advising them not to write stories without obtaining consent from individuals or groups involved.

"A concerning trend has emerged, where journalists visit indigenous communities, such as the Hadzabe, take photos, and write stories without obtaining the community’s consent or understanding," he explained.

Juma emphasized the significance of respecting cultural norms when reporting on Indigenous communities, avoiding derogatory language, and ensuring that the community members are allowed to share their own narratives.

He added that the training aimed to equip journalists with the necessary skills to investigate the impact of climate change on marginalized communities and to address the emerging land conflicts in these areas.

On security and safety issues for environmental journalists, lawyer Paul Kisabo advised reporters to conduct thorough security assessments before embarking on any assignments and take necessary precautions.

Kisabo also outlined various laws and regulations related to media and the environment that journalists should be familiar with and apply in their work.

This training, attended by 35 journalists from regions such as Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Tanga, Singida, Dodoma, and Manyara, was funded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In addition, further training sessions are scheduled to take place in the Lake Zone, Eastern and Coastal regions, and Zanzibar.

 By Prosper Makene 

INADES-Formation Tanzania, Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Officer John Milton, who represented the NGO’s Managing Director Mr. Mbarwa Kivuyo joins the students at Gwandi Secondary School in a tree planting campaign to mark the World Environment Day on June 5, 2025

On Thursday, INADES-Formation Tanzania (IFTz) commemorated World Environment Day 2025 in Chemba District with a community-driven tree planting campaign that emphasized inclusivity and environmental restoration. 

In partnership with Bread for the World (BftW) and Vi Agroforestry (ViA), IFTz organized tree planting activities in primary and secondary schools  and a public education meeting , highlighting the importance of environmental  conservation.

The campaign focused on Kondoa and Chemba districts, where 4,000 tree seedlings were planted around homes, schools, health centers, religious institutions, and near natural water springs.  This effort aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of ecosystem preservation and to promote inclusive participation in environmental conservation .

At Gwandi village, Chemba District, District Environment Officer Mohamed Semdoe underscored the importation of environment conservation, noting the district just like other parts of the country is faced with great effects of climate change.

“We have just participated in planting trees at the schools today  in marking the global event, but such activities should continuous”, he said, adding that the district authority appreciate roles played by other stakeholders in conserving the environment.

He specifically applauded INADES-Formation Tanzania for continued support to villagers in the area through different projects. Semdoe appealed to the area residents to join efforts shown by the stakeholders and keep the environment clean as well as protecting the trees planted.

Adrofu Fabiano, Environment Teacher at Gwandi Secondary School, expressed gratitude to the organization for providing seedlings that were planted in the school as part of the commemoration.

Speaking on behalf of INADES-Formation Managing Director, Mr. Mbarwa Kivuyo, the NGO’s Monitoring Evaluation and learning Officer John Milton said the NGO has been collaborating with farmers in Kondoa Chemba districts in environmental conservation through beekeeping.

He said various initiatives also aimed at restoring the vegetation through tree-planting are being carried out through out the project villages in the two districts with about 40,000 trees being planted.

“Today, with the initiatives of the Manar. Mbarwa Kivuyo, we have commemorated the World Environment Day by planting fruit trees at Gwandi Secondary and Primary schools in Chemba district and Chumbai primary school and Imbafi Secondary school in Kondoa district,” he said.

The World Environmental Day is celebrated on June 5, of every year where various activities that aims at conserving environment and promoting tree planting are showcased. In Tanzania, the day was commemorated at the Jakaya Kikwete grounds in Dodoma, graced by the Vice President, Philip Mpango.

The Government of Tanzania has launched a major environmental conservation initiative aimed at restoring degraded forest landscapes and enhancing the resilience of natural ecosystems to the impacts of climate change. 

The initiative includes the official launch of the Forest Biodiversity Resilience Project and the unveiling of the National Forest Landscape Restoration Strategy (2023–2033).

The launch event,  was officiated by the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Pindi Chana, and attended by officials from the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS) Agency, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and other key stakeholders.

Dr. Pindi Chana emphasized the government’s commitment to sustainable forest management, stating, "The government has continued to take decisive steps to strengthen forest conservation. One key action is to identify unique forest reserves—especially those rich in biodiversity or providing essential ecological services such as water—and elevate their conservation status."

She also noted that the project responds directly to current environmental challenges. "Despite our success in conserving natural forests, climate change remains a serious threat. Projects like this are critical now more than ever," she said.

The $5.8 million project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in partnership with UNDP, will run for six years from September 2023 to September 2029. It will be implemented in nine forest reserves across five regions: Pwani, Manyara, Lindi, Ruvuma, and Arusha.

The selected reserves include Hassama Hills, Nou, and Mount Hanang in Manyara; Uzigua and Pugu–Kazimzumbwi in Pwani; Pindiro and Rondo in Lindi; Mwambesi in Ruvuma; and Essimingor in Arusha.

Commissioner for Conservation at TFS, Professor Dos Santos Silayo, said the project is the result of five years of planning. 

"Preparations for this initiative began in 2018/19 and continued through 2023/24. It is now the right time to see the project we have worked on jointly being put into action," he said.

"As we launch this project, TFS under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, in collaboration with UNDP, has completed all necessary preparations," he added. 

"We have already begun implementation at full speed with strong support from UNDP and various government partners."

The project will support the construction of forest protection infrastructure, roads, tourism facilities such as rest shelters for visitors, and capacity-building initiatives for local communities. It will also focus on empowering Tanzanian experts to participate in international carbon market discussions.

"This project will enhance collaboration with local communities and investors surrounding forest reserves to develop and implement effective climate adaptation strategies," said Prof. Silayo.

Dr. Chana acknowledged the measurable outcomes from elevating forest protection status, highlighting the growth in ecotourism. "Tourism in these forests has grown from fewer than 10,000 visitors in 2015 to more than 250,000 annually today, generating over TZS 2 billion in revenue," she said.

She credited this progress to high-level leadership and promotional initiatives, particularly those spearheaded by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, including The Royal Tour and Amazing Tanzania documentaries.

In her remarks, Dr. Chana also introduced the National Forest Landscape Restoration Strategy (2023–2033), which guides Tanzania’s commitment under the AFR100 initiative to restore 5.2 million hectares of degraded forests by 2030. "Tanzania is one of 34 African countries participating in the AFR100 initiative, and we are determined to meet our target," she said.

Dr. Chana concluded by urging continued collaboration. "We call on development partners to continue working with us to assess our forests and identify areas that require enhanced protection. Let us ensure this project delivers results that build trust in our ability to manage and implement such initiatives," she said.

The initiative marks a critical step forward in Tanzania’s efforts to safeguard its forest heritage, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen community resilience in the face of climate change.

 

The Commissioner for the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), Prof. Dos Santos Silayo, emphasized the importance of scientific collaboration between Tanzania and Russia in addressing challenges in the forestry sector.

Speaking during the visit of a Russian scientific delegation to the Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI), Prof. Silayo stated that such partnerships provide an opportunity to exchange knowledge and modern technologies.

"These collaborations bring together experts from Tanzania and Russia, and we will benefit from the exchange of scientific knowledge and experience," said Prof. Silayo. 

He highlighted that technologies such as satellites and drones could revolutionize forest management, especially in combating challenges like climate change and plant diseases.

On his part, the Director General of TAFORI, Dr. Revocatus Mushumbusi, noted that the visit is a significant opportunity for Tanzania to strengthen its national capacity in forestry research.

He stated, "Challenges like forest fires and climate change require modern scientific approaches, which can be accessed through international collaborations like this one."

"This collaboration will teach us new methods and technologies used in Russia, which can help improve our forest conservation efforts," he added.

The visit marks an important step in enhancing the scientific relationship between Tanzania and Russia, with the aim of promoting sustainable development in forest conservation and environmental management.

Tanzanian Ambassador to Cuba, Humprey Polepole, has expressed concerns over the presence of invasive plants in protected areas, stating that they disrupt the local ecosystem and threaten wildlife grazing lands.

Speaking on February 19, 2025, in the Ndutu plains, Polepole joined a team of researchers from Cuba and Tanzania who are conducting a study on invasive plants within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

"The government's directive is to seek a long-term solution to the invasive plant problem while exploring ways to transform these plants into beneficial products, such as medicinal plants," he stated.

The researchers identified several invasive plant species in Ngorongoro, including Parthenium hysterophorus (commonly known as carrot weed) and Gutenbergia cordifolia.

The research team concluded their study in Ngorongoro after visiting key locations such as Kayapus, Kakesio, and the Ndutu plains.

 

A team of experts from the Republic of Cuba, accompanied by conservation specialists from Tanzania's Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, has visited the Ngorongoro Crater to assess the impact of invasive plant species in the area.

Speaking during the visit on February 18, 2025, Dr. John Bukombe from the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) stated that the visit marks the initial phase of efforts to address the challenge of invasive plants in protected areas.

"These experts will work with us to find ways to tackle the challenge of invasive plants, which are negatively affecting the natural vegetation within the crater. 

This issue has significantly contributed to the disappearance of indigenous plant species that serve as food for wildlife," said Dr. Bukombe.

Lohi Zakaria, Acting Manager of the Wildlife Management and Research Unit and Senior Conservation Officer, highlighted that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) has been making efforts to control invasive plants within the protected zone. However, these efforts have not yielded the expected results.

"We have tried controlling these plants by clearing them and creating pathways, but these methods have not been successful. We believe that the arrival of these experts marks a positive step toward finding a lasting solution," said Zakaria.

Dr. Orlando Enrique Sanchez Leon, head of the Cuban delegation, noted that they had observed the presence of invasive plants in the crater and suggested that human-wildlife interactions might be contributing to their spread.

However, Dr. Orlando emphasized that his team is committed to working closely with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and local experts to develop effective strategies for controlling invasive plant species within protected areas.

 Nimeweka makala hapa moja kwa moja:

The Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Philip Mpango, held discussions with the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Dr. Fatih Birol. 

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 29th Summit of Heads of State and Government of Member States of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-29), currently being held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The discussions focused on further strengthening the cooperation between Tanzania and the IEA to advance the agenda for clean cooking energy and address climate change challenges. 

The exchange highlighted the commitment of both parties to foster sustainable energy solutions and bolster efforts towards achieving environmental resilience.

Youth environmental activists are calling for a comprehensive international strategy to protect the African continent from the severe impacts of environmental degradation largely driven by developed nations. 

This urgent plea was articulated during the Environmental Justice Conference in Arusha, on October 12,2024  which brought together young leaders from over 100 countries to discuss sustainable solutions to combat environmental harm.

Faustine Lusanzu highlighted the significance of the upcoming United Nations climate conference, stating, "We believe that our voices will be heard, and this could mark a pivotal moment in climate action." 

Lusanzu's optimism reflects the collective hope that global leaders will prioritize their recommendations.

Ziada Kassim, another prominent activist, noted the interconnectedness of climate change impacts across Africa. "When we unite, we can discover solutions that foster meaningful change," she remarked. 

Kassim emphasized the potential strength of youth in this fight, saying, "Given that young people comprise a substantial portion of our populations, we bring immense power to the struggle against these challenges."

Kassim added, "Through this conference, we've gathered valuable insights that will help us advocate for environmental justice at the United Nations. We will return to our communities equipped with knowledge and strategies."

The collective nature of climate change was further stressed by Kassim: "The effects of climate change do not affect just individuals; they impact us all. In Tanzania, for instance, President Samia Suluhu is leading efforts to align our national strategies with global climate initiatives. 

We must come together, as these issues affect everyone. Recently, we faced floods and droughts that threaten food security in the coming years."

Happiness Njile echoed these sentiments, underscoring the widespread challenges youth face across various sectors.

 "The consequences of climate change are universal, and they demand urgent solutions. Our goal here is to understand how different countries are affected and what actions can mitigate these harms."

Reflecting on her experience at the conference, Njile said, "I have learned about the importance of education and community involvement in environmental conservation, which is crucial for effectively addressing climate change."

Agustin Maggio, the coordinator of the Environmental Justice Conference from Argentina, emphasized the event's mission to create a platform for young leaders worldwide. 

"We aim to provide opportunities for youth to engage actively in climate action and return to their communities to continue advocating for change," Maggio explained.

He continued, "We recognize that climate issues are profoundly affecting young people in this gathering and their communities. We want to create spaces for sharing personal stories and developing actionable solutions. We are already in discussions about future plans."

Global Context on Climate Change

The youth activists' calls align with alarming global statistics regarding climate change. 

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that global temperatures have risen by approximately 1.1 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century, leading to increasingly severe weather events. 

The United Nations warns that, if current trends persist, agricultural productivity in Africa could decline by up to 30% by 2050, exacerbating food insecurity.

The voices of youth activists are essential in this critical context, as they not only represent the present but also the future. 

Their insistence on immediate action underscores the need for global solidarity and innovative strategies to combat the escalating climate crisis, reinforcing the idea that collaborative efforts are vital for the survival and well-being of the continent.

President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has urged citizens to stop the harmful practice of setting forests on fire and instead focus on protecting and conserving them.

She made these remarks today, September 26, 2024, in Namtumbo District, Ruvuma Region, while addressing the public in a gathering.

“Stop burning forests, and if it is necessary to set fire to your farm, ensure that the fire does not spread and destroy nearby conserved forest areas,” President Samia emphasized.

She pointed out that when citizens burn forests, it not only damages the environment but also harms road infrastructure, ultimately hindering development.

Addressing the issue of elephants raised by Namtumbo Member of Parliament, Vita Kawawa, President Samia said that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, under Minister Dr. Pindi Chana, is continuing to work on resolving the problem.

 

Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Philip Mpango, has emphasized the need for predictable, accessible, sustainable, and balanced climate financing that effectively addresses and mitigates climate change. 

He made this call while representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the opening of the 35th meeting of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change's Standing Committee on Finance, held at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC).

Dr. Mpango highlighted that developing countries require increased climate finance to achieve gender-responsive climate action goals. He urged participants at the 35th Committee meeting to engage in in-depth discussions, share experiences, and explore solutions to address climate change and gender-sensitive financing.

He noted that integrating knowledge and expertise from various nations would enhance national and international efforts and accelerate progress toward achieving sustainable climate finance goals that consider gender equality.

The Vice President also emphasized that the meeting should help ensure that developed countries meet their commitment to provide $100 million annually by 2025, as part of their pledges to implement the Paris Agreement.

The theme of the conference is accelerating climate action through gender-sensitive financing. Dr. Mpango reiterated Tanzania's commitment to integrating gender considerations into policies, programs, and strategies across all levels. 

He outlined key areas of focus, including gender equality in economic participation, creating supportive environments for women's leadership and decision-making, gender equality in education, technology use, and promoting clean cooking energy in urban and rural areas.

He stressed that these gender-inclusive efforts aim to ensure equal opportunities for both women and men to participate in, contribute to, and benefit from climate action initiatives.

Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of clean cooking energy as a critical agenda item for the upcoming 29th Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. Tanzania is prioritizing clean cooking energy with a goal of ensuring that by 2034, 80% of Tanzanians use clean cooking energy, up from the current 7%. This initiative is intended to address environmental, health, social, and economic challenges associated with traditional cooking methods, such as using charcoal and firewood.

The five-day conference is attended by participants from various countries, environmental stakeholders, leaders, and policymakers.

 

The government, in collaboration with various forestry stakeholders, has launched a campaign to plant over one billion trees in the northern regions as part of efforts to preserve the ice cap on Mount Kilimanjaro. 

This campaign includes planting more than eight million trees annually in the Kilimanjaro region, providing public education on tree planting, and promoting environmental conservation through radio and television programs, festivals, and various national and international observances.

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dunstan Kitandula, made these remarks while responding to a question from Prof. Patrick Alois Ndakidemi in the National Assembly in Dodoma. 

Prof. Ndakidemi had inquired about the short-term, medium-term, and long-term actions the government is taking to address the shrinking glaciers at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Kitandula explained that the primary reason for the decrease in snow on Mount Kilimanjaro is global warming caused by climate change. 

This is exacerbated by human activities such as deforestation, agriculture, fire outbreaks, reduced rainfall, prolonged droughts, and dry winds from the Indian Ocean.

For medium-term strategies, the government is focusing on promoting sustainable land use, enhancing protection in areas surrounding Mount Kilimanjaro, and implementing plans to combat and control mountain fires.

In terms of long-term strategies, the government continues to collaborate with regional and international organizations to implement joint strategies for addressing climate change. 

This includes improving agricultural technologies, increasing water use efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and restoring ecological systems on the mountain and its surrounding areas.

 

Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Philip Mpango, met with a delegation from the World Economic Forum (WEF) Secretariat, led by Ms. Clemence Schmid, Director of Global Partnerships for Plastic Waste Management. The discussions took place at Ikulu Chamwino in Dodoma.

During the meeting, on August 15, 2024 Dr. Mpango emphasized the Tanzanian government's dedication to combating plastic waste through collaboration with stakeholders, the private sector, and the international community. He stated, "Our experience shows that cooperation is the most effective way to tackle plastic waste, as it often crosses borders, especially through marine routes."

Dr. Mpango extended an invitation to the WEF to partner with Tanzania in addressing plastic waste through various initiatives, including building local expertise, facilitating access to advanced recycling technologies, and providing financial support for waste management projects. He remarked, "We are committed to leveraging international partnerships to enhance our efforts in managing plastic waste and protecting our environment."

In response, Ms. Schmid praised Tanzania's sincere efforts and commitment to plastic waste management. She noted, "The delegation has witnessed Tanzania's strong commitment to prioritizing environmental protection, particularly regarding plastic waste. We look forward to collaborating closely with Tanzania to address this critical issue."

Ms. Schmid outlined the WEF’s aim to establish a partnership with Tanzania to tackle plastic waste. She highlighted key priorities, stating, "Our focus will be on identifying existing challenges, connecting stakeholders, and utilizing financial resources to develop effective infrastructure for managing plastic waste."

This partnership is expected to foster an environment that supports both national and international stakeholders in addressing the challenges associated with plastic waste.

 

India inakabiliwa na changamoto kubwa ya joto kali, huku idadi ya vifo vinavyohusiana na joto vikiendelea kuongezeka. 

Hali hiyo imepelekea vifo vya watu wengi, hasa katika maeneo ya vijijini ambapo ripoti zinaweza kuwa chache. 

Takwimu zilizotolewa Mei zinaonyesha kwamba watu wengi, takriban 60, walifariki kutokana na magonjwa yanayohusiana na joto kati ya Machi na Mei. 

Hata hivyo, idadi ya vifo inaweza kuwa kubwa zaidi kutokana na upungufu wa ripoti katika maeneo hayo.

Maafisa wanasema India inakabiliwa na wimbi refu zaidi la joto kuwahi kutokea, huku halijoto ikivuka selsiasi 50 katika baadhi ya maeneo. Sehemu za kaskazini mwa India, hasa tangu katikati ya Mei, zimeathiriwa sana na joto kali, huku halijoto ikifikia kati ya selsiasi 45-50 katika baadhi ya miji.

Uhaba wa maji pia umesababisha changamoto nyingine, huku baadhi ya maeneo yakikumbwa na ukame. Katika matukio mengine, watu wamepoteza maisha yao kutokana na joto kali, kama ilivyotokea kwa maafisa 33 wa uchaguzi huko Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, na Odisha.

Hali hii inaonyesha umuhimu wa kuchukua hatua za haraka kushughulikia athari za mabadiliko ya hali ya hewa na joto kali, ili kulinda afya na usalama wa wananchi.

Comprehensive Forest Conservation and Charcoal Value Chain Improvement Project Launched in Bagamoyo

The Pwani Region has become a focal point for negative climate change impacts and environmental degradation due to the large charcoal market that mainly supplies Dar es Salaam.

This was stated by Nsajigwa George, Acting Regional Administrative Secretary of Pwani, in charge of Management, Audit, and Monitoring, while representing the Pwani Regional Commissioner at the launch of the Comprehensive Forest Conservation and Charcoal Value Chain Improvement Project in Bagamoyo.

The project is coordinated in collaboration between the Sustainable Energy Services Organization (TaTEDO-SESO) and the Tanzania Natural Resource Forum (TNRF), funded by the European Union.

"Charcoal is a major source of income for the communities in Pwani, but largely, charcoal production is uncontrolled. This situation causes this region to contribute significantly to environmental degradation," he explained.

Nsajigwa stated that, according to World Bank statistics, Tanzania produced one million tons of charcoal between 2010 and 2013, with 50% used in Dar es Salaam.

"Current statistics show that production has risen to 2.5 million tons, with 60% used in Dar es Salaam. With this increase, every Tanzanian needs to change and adopt a positive outlook on forest and environmental conservation for the welfare of the country, Africa, and the world," Nsajigwa elaborated.

He further mentioned that Tanzania's population currently exceeds 61 million and is projected to reach 129.39 million by 2050. This increase will double the demand, continuing to exacerbate environmental and forest degradation.

"In general, climate change has become a global threat, driven by human activities," he added.

Additionally, he stated that this project would be a remedy or cure against deforestation and environmental destruction in leading regions and the nation as a whole.

Nsajigwa noted that President Samia Suluhu Hassan, as a champion of promoting clean cooking energy in Africa, has embraced this agenda to help Tanzanians move away from unsafe energy practices.

Jansen Shuma, Acting Director of the Sustainable Energy Services Organization (TaTEDO-SESO), expressed his belief that the project would mark the beginning of significant improvements and changes in the use of alternative energy sources.

"We believe the launch of this project will help change the overall perspective of stakeholders involved in charcoal and alternative energy issues. Our goal as TaTEDO is to build the capacity of citizens in the project areas to understand the impacts of deforestation and the benefits of using alternative energy," explained Shuma.

Zakaria Faustine, Director of the Tanzania Natural Resource Forum (TNRF), commended all stakeholders' efforts leading up to the project's launch.

He stated that the project would largely address the challenges of climate change and uncontrolled deforestation.