Tanzania launches fund to address environmental issues

The government of Tanzania on Thursday launched the National Environmental Conservation Fund aimed at addressing environmental issues, including climate change which is sending shockwaves to the country.

January Makamba, the east African nation's Minister of State in the Vice President's Office responsible for Environment, said the fund has been in preparation for the past 12 years.

"The fund will focus on supporting organizations and activities related to environment conservation in ensuring there's a mitigation of environmental problems affecting the country," said Makamba.

Makamba said since environment issues were being seriously addressed across the world, it was high time Tanzania formed a special fund dedicated to financing environmental issues.

He said the government, environment stakeholders and experts could work collectively toward an environmentally friendly Tanzania.

The new fund already has a board of sponsors led by the Chief Executive Officer of Infotech Investment Group Ally Mufuruki who was appointed recently by President John Magufuli.

Mufuruki said the fund will be using about 500,000 US dollars annually on its activities to ensure that the set targets were met and more efforts were done to conserve the environment.

Mufuruki said more efforts will be placed in creating intensive awareness to the public concerning environmental conservation as well as their role in preserving and being accountable for cleanness and their environment at large.

"The biggest challenge is that most people don't know the extent in which they individually contribute to environment destruction, which makes it difficult to engage them in conservation activities," he said. Endit