By The Respondent reporter
The Tanzanian government has on October 16, 2024, reiterated its commitment to effectively managing and coordinating Blue Economy activities to ensure citizens fully benefit from the nation's marine and water resources, driving economic growth and sustainable development.
This was stated by the Minister of State in the Vice President's Office (Union and Environment), Hon. Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, during a session with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water and Environment. The session focused on presenting the implementation report of the 2024 National Blue Economy Policy for the period from July to October, as well as the progress report on the Nairobi Convention for the Protection, Management, and Development of the Marine and Coastal Environment.
To strengthen the management of Blue Economy initiatives, Dr. Kijaji announced that the Vice President's Office has proposed the establishment of a Blue Economy Development Department. The department will be responsible for coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating the implementation of the policy.
"In promoting sustainable use of water resources, the government is preparing a Water Resource Use Plan, with guidelines for its implementation already established in 2023," said Dr. Kijaji.
Additionally, the Minister revealed that 13 proposals have been prepared for development partners to secure funding for various Blue Economy projects.
Tanzania, currently chairing the Nairobi Convention Secretariat and hosting the 12th meeting of member states, stands to benefit from development project funding and investment opportunities, especially in the Blue Economy sector.
“The primary goal of the Nairobi Convention is to control coastal and marine pollution from land-based sources and activities while fostering cooperation among member states to implement joint plans for coastal and marine environment conservation,” Dr. Kijaji explained.
The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Water and Environment, Hon. Jackson Kiswaga, commended the Vice President's Office for its sustainable environmental conservation strategies. He also applauded the successful organization of the Environmental Stakeholders’ Forum held in Dodoma in September 2024, which is expected to yield positive outcomes for environmental conservation.
Kiswaga, also a Member of Parliament for Kalenga, urged the government to develop strategies to address water pollution sources to ensure the sustainability of the Blue Economy agenda.