THE National Environment Management Council (NEMC), in collaboration with the Tanzanian Embassy in Qatar, has engaged in talks with the Qatari government to strengthen environmental cooperation.

Habibu Awesi Mohammed, the Tanzanian envoy to Qatar, at a media briefing acknowledged the collaborative spirit of the meeting, hailing NEMC and Water ministry officials for efforts to set up discussions with Qatar.

Learning from each other is vital to uplift management of water systems, waste disposal and overall environmental conservation, where the Doha discussions centred on the conservation of Lake Victoria and addressing climate change challenges.

A key outcome of the talks is the intention to collaborate on tackling invasive aquatic weeds that have plagued Lake Victoria, with intent to share expertise and conduct joint research on the environmental crisis affecting the vital freshwater resource.

In addition, the partnership will facilitate knowledge exchange on climate change issues, fostering a broader understanding of environmental challenges and sustainable solutions, the envoy underlined.

AbdulAziz Ahmad Abdullah Al-Mahmoud, the permanent secretary for the Qatari Environment and Climate Change ministry, remarked in addressing the Tanzanian delegation of the shared responsibilities in the new engagement.

He expressed a strong desire for cooperation given the complementary character of the ministry’s roles and the local environmental regulator, while the envoy listed major challenges that NEMC faces as including land degradation, deforestation, biodiversity loss and water scarcity.

He referred to the growing coastal vulnerabilities caused by rising sea levels, particularly in Zanzibar, where saltwater intrusion and flooding have become pressing concerns.

A major topic of conversation was capacity building, the need for enhanced technical support and knowledge-sharing to improve climate resilience. Insufficient funding hinders implementing climate policies and climate change mitigation strategies, he asserted.

“NEMC has made strides in overcoming its funding challenges. We’ve sought international funding mechanisms like the adaptation fund, where we’ve been accredited as a national implementing entity, and we are working to access funding from the Green Climate Fund,” he elaborated.

These funds are crucial for supporting projects that enhance climate resilience, address environmental pollution and promote climate-smart agricultural practices, he said.

Through international collaborations, NEMC has been able to secure grants for specific conservation projects and wastewater management initiatives, he said, underlining the need to strengthen institutional frameworks within NEMC.

This is essential for better resource management, ensuring that available funds are utilized effectively to address Tanzania’s most pressing environmental challenges, he said.

The talks between Tanzania and Qatar represent a significant step toward closer cooperation in environmental conservation and climate change mitigation, via shared knowledge, resources and research, he added.