ENVIRONMENTAL stakeholders have called upon the government to install waste disposal infrastructure at beach areas, a move that would reduce pollution and protect marine life.

The call was made over the weekend after participants took part in a 10-kilometer ‘Youth Run for Nature’, organized by WWF Tanzania under its ‘Ishi Kijani; Ishi Kijanja’ campaign. The event also included a beach cleaning exercise at Dengu Beach in Dar es Salaam.

Yohana Mpagama, Head of Human Resources at WWF, who represented the organization’s Country Director, said: “We organized this event because health is wealth—and health cannot be achieved without protecting the environment. We also aimed to encourage youth to take care of their health, which is why we ran 10 kilometers.”

Mpagama explained that lack of proper and designated waste disposal sites leads to people dumping waste in rivers and drainage systems, which eventually ends up in the ocean.

“It’s our belief that by educating communities and installing proper waste disposal infrastructure, we can solve this problem. We advise the government to collaborate with private organizations to put in place waste bins along the beaches,” he emphasized.

He added that youth were involved in the initiative because they are tomorrow’s leaders, and good health is crucial for them. He noted that many beaches in Dar es Salaam are polluted due to various human activities.

“Most of the beaches in the city are polluted with cans and plastics. This is hazardous to both human and marine health. Beach environments are home to coral reefs and fish breeding grounds. Allowing pollution to continue, we endanger the lives of marine creatures, including fish,” he added.

Mpagama said WWF Tanzania in collaboration with partners—the government and youth is committed to raising awareness among the younger generation on the importance of protecting the environment for the benefit of both present and future generations.

He pledged to continue working closing with stakeholders to encourage youth to plant trees in their specific localities.

Shaban Yusuf, Environmental Officer, Dar es Salaam City Council, expressed the government’s support to WWF’s environmental protection efforts.

Explaining, Yusuf noted that city authorities have set plans to improve Dengu Beach whereas it has been included in the Dar es Salaam Metropolitan Development Project (DMDP). He said the improvements will include solid waste management as well as beautifying the area with trees suited to the beach environment.

“In two years, Dengu beach will look different—with a fresh and appealing new look. We want the public to understand that protecting the environment is not the government’s job alone, it’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure our beaches are clean and attractive,” said Yusuf.

One of the youth, Mary Mbago, urged fellow young people to actively engage in environmental conservation and tree planting to promote a healthy and clean environment for all.

“We are future leaders; it is our responsibility to take care of the environment for the benefit of current and future generations. I love the environment, that’s why I joined WWF Tanzania for the 10 kilometers run and beach cleanup,” Mbago said.