MWE Correspondent
Tanzania has called on member states of the East African Community (EAC) to strengthen regional cooperation in the protection and sustainable management of natural resources, warning that growing environmental challenges threaten the region’s economic stability and livelihoods.
The call was made on Thursday, April 23, 2026, by Ashatu Kijaji, Tanzania’s Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, during the opening of the 11th Sectoral Council of Ministers for Environment and Natural Resources Management (SCENR) held in Arusha.
Speaking at the high-level regional meeting, Dr. Kijaji emphasized that East Africa remains one of the most resource-rich regions in Africa, endowed with vast forests, diverse wildlife, major river systems, large freshwater lakes, and access to the Indian Ocean. However, she cautioned that these critical natural assets are increasingly under threat due to the impacts of climate change and unsustainable exploitation.
“Without coordinated and decisive action, the sustainability of these resources will be at serious risk, ultimately threatening food security, tourism revenues, and the overall economic resilience of our countries,” she said.
Dr. Kijaji noted that key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, fisheries, and energy remain heavily dependent on the health of natural ecosystems. Across several EAC member states, tourism alone contributes more than 10 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supports millions of jobs, making environmental protection not only an ecological priority but also an economic necessity.
She stressed that climate change is already manifesting through prolonged droughts, unpredictable rainfall patterns, declining biodiversity, and increased environmental degradation. These challenges, she said, cannot be effectively addressed by individual countries acting alone, underscoring the importance of collective regional strategies.
The SCENR meeting brings together ministers and senior officials responsible for environment and natural resources across EAC member states, providing a platform to align policies, share best practices, and strengthen joint interventions. Discussions are expected to focus on climate resilience, conservation financing, cross-border ecosystem management, and enforcement of environmental regulations.
Dr. Kijaji also highlighted the need for enhanced investment in sustainable resource management, including reforestation programs, wildlife protection initiatives, and the promotion of environmentally friendly technologies. She called for stronger policy harmonization among member states to ensure consistent standards in conservation and resource utilization.
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Furthermore, she urged the region to leverage international partnerships and climate financing mechanisms to support adaptation and mitigation efforts. According to her, global collaboration remains essential, particularly as developing regions like East Africa continue to face disproportionate impacts of climate change despite contributing minimally to global emissions.
Regional experts attending the meeting echoed these concerns, noting that ecosystems such as transboundary forests, shared water bodies, and migratory wildlife corridors require coordinated governance frameworks. Failure to manage these resources collectively could lead to increased conflict, resource depletion, and long-term ecological damage.
The meeting in Arusha is expected to conclude with a set of resolutions aimed at strengthening institutional frameworks and accelerating implementation of regional environmental strategies. These outcomes will play a critical role in shaping the future of natural resource management within the EAC bloc.
As environmental pressures continue to intensify, Tanzania’s call reflects a growing recognition that sustainable development in East Africa depends on unity, shared responsibility, and proactive policy action at both national and regional levels.
