Permanent secretary in the Vice President’s Office Cyprian Luhemeja. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Shinyanga – Tanzania will present a series of major strategic projects to combat climate change at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which opens next week in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango will represent President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the global conference, which runs from November 11 to 22 and is aimed at mobilizing funds for climate adaptation and mitigation initiatives. Dr. Mpango will join discussions with national leaders and environmental experts, aiming to establish a shared approach to tackling global environmental challenges.
According to Cyprian Luhemeja, permanent secretary in the Vice President’s Office, Tanzania's proposals include expanding the Dar es Salaam rapid bus transit network, promoting clean cooking energy alternatives, and implementing flood resilience measures in vulnerable regions. Additionally, the country will highlight an integrated waste management initiative aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, alongside a program focused on sustainable carbon trading within ocean and water resources.
“Tanzania is committed to showcasing our efforts to address climate change, and we believe our clean cooking energy initiatives can play a vital role,” Luhemeja said, adding that Tanzania will also host an exhibition pavilion to display its climate response efforts.
The government has made clean energy for cooking a central theme, intending to curb deforestation by reducing the use of firewood and charcoal. “At COP29, we aim to demonstrate our dedication to clean cooking energy as a means of environmental protection and to attract partnerships that will help make energy more affordable for Tanzanians,” Luhemeja explained.
Tanzania’s COP29 theme, "Harnessing Carbon Trading Opportunities through Clean Cooking and Other Alternative Sources of Energy," underscores its commitment to sustainable energy alternatives. The initiative aims to boost national climate resilience while fostering economic growth and sustainable development, according to the Vice President’s Office.