FAITH leaders representing the Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT), Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA) and Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) recently met with officials from the Vice President’s Office (VPO) to strengthen collaboration on environmental protection and climate action.

The consultative meeting held at the VPO offices in Dodoma brought together experts from the VPO, the Ministry of Agriculture and various environmental stakeholders. Speaking during the meeting, Rev. Modest Pesha, CCT representative, stated the gathering aimed to influence and mobilise citizens and duty-bearers to act for climate and environmental conservation. 

The faith leaders urged the government to actively involve them in the ongoing review of the National Environmental Policy and the National Climate Change Response Strategy 2021–2026, arguing that their participation would lead to more effective outcomes. They also called on the VPO to establish a standalone national climate change policy. 

This, they noted, would ease the translation of existing policies and strategies into practical action. Rev. Pesha added that the CCT spearheads climate policy advocacy in partnership with Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) to ensure citizens and leaders are encouraged to advance climate justice and environmental protection.

 “Environmental and climate programmes run by faith actors should be known by the VPO and the work of the VPO should also be known by religious institutions. Collaboration in information flow and implementation is crucial,” he said. Fr. Wencelaus Bamugasheki of TEC underscored the vital role of partnership in accelerating community awareness.

 “Collaboration between religious leaders and the VPO will help communities quickly obtain important information and avoid environmental degradation. Aneth Kasabango, environmental officer representing the Ministry of Agriculture, noted the unique influence of religious leaders in society. “Religious leaders have big platforms and are still highly trusted by society,” she said. 

“Through this partnership, many people will benefit from better awareness of environmental issues.” Thomas Chali, Assistant Director of Environment at VPO, commended the initiative and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deepening collaboration with religious institutions.

 Chali confirmed that the VPO would continue strengthening relationships, communication and exchange of experiences with faith leaders while also seeking their professional input on environmental issues. He stressed the importance of using faith platforms to disseminate information on climate change, noting: 

“These platforms reach wide audiences and can significantly contribute to community understanding and action.” The engagement marks a growing recognition of the crucial role religious institutions can play in shaping public attitudes, influencing behaviour and mobilising action in the fight against environmental degradation and climate change.