The Secretary-General of the Office of the Vice President, represented by the Deputy Secretary-General of the Union, Mr. Abdalah Mitawi, has launched the SUSTAIN Eco Project, a project managed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in the Mbeya region. This project, funded by the Government of Sweden, has a value of $4.5 million, equivalent to 50 million Swedish Krona (SEK). The project aims to promote inclusive ecosystem management in the areas of government, business, and relevant communities to achieve balanced priorities and sustainable development.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Charles Oluchina, Head of IUCN Eastern & Southern Africa Regional Office, expressed gratitude to the Tanzanian government through the Office of the Vice President for their excellent cooperation in environmental management. He also thanked the Government of Sweden for funding environmental issues, particularly the SUSTAIN Eco project, with a contribution of 50 million Swedish Krona.
"These funds will help in transforming, informing, and enhancing the sustainable use of resources. Environmental management, biodiversity, and climate change are all long-term concerns. May 22, 2023, marked the International Day for Biological Diversity, making this project launch very timely," said Mr. Olunuchi.
Ambassador Charlotte Ozaki Macias of Sweden in Tanzania stated that this year, 2023, marks 60 years of cooperation between the Government of Sweden and the Government of Tanzania. Despite the celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, 2023, desertification, water scarcity, and the decline of animals and other organisms continue to increase. The global population growth has also significantly contributed to climate change. Addressing climate change is a long and challenging journey, emphasized Ambassador Charlotte.
Speaking on behalf of the Secretary-General of the Office of the Vice President, Mr. Mitawi highlighted the loss of 490 hectares of forests annually. Additionally, there has been an increase in water scarcity, food shortages, and desertification. He expressed gratitude to the Government of Sweden for its cooperation in environmental conservation and commended the IUCN for its dedication to environmental issues.
Tanzania has been affected by the imbalance in biodiversity, particularly due to deforestation, resulting in the loss of over 490 hectares of trees annually and conflicts between various groups due to the lack of balance. This situation has necessitated the development of environmental policies.
Mr. Mitawi urged other stakeholders to engage in environmental issues, as the well-being of humans and all other living organisms depends on the environment.
Mr. Anthony Mhagama, the Representative of the IUCN Tanzania and Manager of the SUSTAIN Eco Program explained that the SUSTAIN Eco Project, managed by IUCN, will collaborate with the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and SNV. The project will operate in three areas of Tanzania: Kilombero, Katavi, and Morogoro.
The launch of the SUSTAIN Eco project was accompanied by a panel discussion on environmental issues, featuring representatives from the Office of the Vice President, SAGGOT, NLUPC, the Representative of RAS Katavi, and beneficiaries of IUCN projects.