THE term ‘environment’ refers to the surroundings or conditions in which people, animals, or plants live and operate. It includes natural elements such as air, water, and land, along with the physical and biological factors that influence life and its development.

Protecting the environment is a shared human responsibility. It is critical not only for preserving natural resources but also for ensuring public health. A clean environment provides access to fresh air and clean water, essential for preventing respiratory and waterborne diseases.

Moreover, a healthy environment supports access to food, offers recreational spaces, and promotes mental well-being. It also sustains key sectors like agriculture and tourism, both of which depend on a stable climate and rich biodiversity. 

Preserving the environment is therefore not only an economic necessity but a moral duty to future generations.

Conversely, environmental neglect results in pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss—factors that directly threaten human health, disrupt economies, and diminish quality of life. Forests, for example, contribute to atmospheric stability, while ecosystems play a key role in climate regulation and provide essential services for human survival.

Pollution caused by human activity such as industrialization and urbanization are likely to continue damaging the environment and ultimately cause detrimental effects on human health if preventive measures are not taken to curb the situation.

Three major environmental challenges facing humanity today include global warming and climate change, water pollution and ocean acidification, and biodiversity loss. These issues can lead to severe health consequences, including the loss of life-saving medicines derived from natural sources, the spread of disease, and premature death.

However, an informed and engaged society can reverse these trends. Awareness and action can transform environmental threats into opportunities for sustainable development.

Human activities such as industrialization and urbanization have significantly contributed to environmental degradation. Air and water pollution—primarily caused by toxic chemicals—are leading contributors to heart and respiratory diseases and render natural resources unsafe for human use.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), over 30 percent of global deaths are linked to environmental factors such as excessive heat, and poor air and water quality.

Tanzania is taking several measures to maintain the environment, including focusing on climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and pollution reduction.

These measures include climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, biodiversity conservation and pollution control, aligned with both national policies and international cooperation.

Under President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the sixth-phase government has intensified environmental efforts. Her administration’s holistic approach emphasizes the connection between health and the environment, with collaboration across sectors including private enterprises and public health authorities. 

Chief Government Medical Officer Dr. Grace Maghembe plays a key role in monitoring and preventing disease outbreaks tied to environmental factors.

One notable initiative includes large-scale tree planting to combat drought and improve environmental resilience. Additionally, the government is amending the Environmental Management Act (EMA), Chapter 191, to better address modern challenges.

In February 2025, the Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Hamad Yusuf Masauni, announced the proposed amendments to Parliament, describing them as a bold step toward sustainability and improved living standards.

The new proposals for 2025 focus on refining legal definitions, strengthening climate change governance, and improving institutional frameworks to ensure more effective environmental management systems across the country.

The amendments aim to align the Environmental Management Act (EMA) with the 2021 National Environmental Policy, while tackling urgent environmental challenges—particularly those related to climate change. Originally enacted in 2004, the EMA has been amended three times, with updates made in 2016 and twice in 2021.

A key feature of the proposed changes is the expansion of legal definitions, providing greater clarity on critical environmental terms. This includes refining the definitions of "solid waste" and "water source," and introducing new terminology associated with climate change management, such as "greenhouse gases" and "energy transition."

These updates are intended to establish a more precise and comprehensive framework for environmental protection that functions more effectively and meets high standards throughout the Republic, which spans 945,087 square kilometers.

With the bill already approved by Parliament, its successful implementation will be vital for ensuring the country’s long-term sustainability, as it balances environmental conservation with economic development.

The move is designed to embed environmental considerations into economic policies, promoting sustainable growth without depleting natural resources.

Under the new law, all ministries and government institutions will be required to integrate climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies into their planning, ensuring a coordinated national response to environmental sustainability.

The amendments also include provisions to protect marine and wetland ecosystems. By designating these as protected zones, the government seeks to promote their sustainable use, preserve biodiversity, and support coastal communities that rely on marine resources.

Local government authorities will also be impacted, with a requirement to submit environmental action plans within defined timelines. This measure is intended to integrate climate adaptation into local development processes, encouraging a bottom-up approach to sustainability.

The role of the private sector in environmental protection is another key focus. The proposed law creates mechanisms to attract private investment in sustainable technologies and green energy, acknowledging the significant role businesses play in climate action.

Carbon trading and emission standards are addressed, with new regulatory measures introduced to help Tanzania meet global commitments on emissions reductions.

This aligns the country’s environmental legislation with international agreements such as the Paris Agreement, reaffirming Tanzania’s commitment to global sustainable development goals.

Soil conservation and pollution control also receive attention, with new provisions targeting the prevention of land degradation and pollution from industrial waste. These efforts aim to protect agricultural productivity and promote environmental sustainability in the long term.

Finally, the amendments propose a reorganization of responsibilities among regulatory bodies such as the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority, the Tanzania Bureau of Standards, and the Chief Government Chemist Laboratory Authority.

This restructuring is designed to establish a more integrated and efficient governance system by embedding climate considerations into national planning frameworks.