Tanzania to get Unep assistance on environment

Unep deputy executive director Joyce Msuya

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UNEP pledges to assist technological innovations designed to combat environmental challenges in Tanzania.

Dar es Salaam. The United Nations Environment Programme (Unep) yesterday pledged to assist Tanzania in adaptation innovative practices to counter environmental challenges like climate change.

That was said by Unep deputy executive director Joyce Msuya when she addressed participants in an open dialogue convened by the government here to discuss environment conservation.

Ms Msuya said Unep and the government were determined to support in financing technological innovations to promote sustainable environment conservation.

“Environmental challenges are still concerns globally. Doubling of efforts is necessary to combat them,” she said.

She challenged the government to establish investment schemes to support small and medium enterprises and innovators with a view on enhancing sustainable environment conservation. She advised the government to invest massively in circular economy through waste management, citing that the move would create employment and contribute sufficient revenues to the gross domestic product.

“The government can also seek sponsorship to support technological innovations. “Strong public and private institutions via corporate social responsibility can also support innovation to combat climate change, “she explained.

“The government should also learn from developed countries that have managed to combat climate change.” The minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union Affairs and Environment), Mr January Makamba, spoke about funding woes for innovations, saying they are still a challenge.

He noted that countrywide outreach programmes would be launched to support technological innovations on conserving the environment. He said the government would convince financial institutions to secure grants from the international funds.