Following the revision of 1997’s National Environmental Policy, the 2021 National Environmental Policy comes into effect. It aims to control chemicals and invasive species such as weeds, as well as pollution from oil and gas extraction activities.
On Saturday, Dr Mary Maganga, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of State, Vice Presidents Office, Union and Environment, stated that the new issues were aimed at addressing environmental challenges for sustainable development.
Dr Maganga said that the new policy focuses on new environmental challenges arising from economic, social, and environmental developments around the world.
She pointed out that the new document would be officially launched by Dr Philip Mpango, Vice President of the United States, on 12 February 2022. The launch will be the culmination of the 2021 National Environmental Policy Launch Week, which will be celebrated from today through Saturday.
After the inauguration, it will be presented to the authorities concerned for the legitimation of guidelines and laws. Environmental issues are cross-cutting.
According to the PS, a number of environmental conservation activities were planned during the weeklong celebration. This is part of the fundamental matters covered by the new policy.
The activities have the aim of restoring areas degraded by human activities. They will also plant new trees to make the environment more friendly. There will be activities to improve communal health and educate the public about how to separate hard and soft wastes.
The 1997 National Environmental Policy was dismantled by the new document. This policy was based on a national assessment that had identified environmental problems that required urgent action.
These included, among other things, land degradation that reduces the productivity of soils in many areas of the country and a lack of good quality water for both rural and urban residents.
Its goals were to ensure sustainability, security, and equitable use of resources to meet the basic needs of present and future generations.
Also, to prevent and manage degradation of land and water, vegetation, and air, which are vital life support systems.
Another goal is to conserve and enhance our natural heritage and man-made heritage, as well as the unique ecosystems of Tanzania.
On the other side, it’s to improve the condition and productivity in degraded areas including rural and urban settlements so that all Tanzanians live in safe and healthy, productive, and pleasing environments.