By Business Insider Reporter
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Vice President’s Office (Environment), Baraka Luvanda, has praised the National Environment Management Council (NEMC) for its strategic plans aimed at implementing the third pillar of Tanzania Development Vision 2050, which focuses on environmental conservation and climate resilience.
Speaking during his official visit to NEMC headquarters in Dar es Salaam on Thursday marxch 5, 2026, Mr. Luvanda said the council plays a critical role in ensuring that Tanzania achieves its long-term environmental and sustainability objectives under the national development blueprint.
The visit marked his first engagement with the council’s management since his recent appointment by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
During the meeting, Mr. Luvanda introduced himself to the management team and reviewed the institution’s ongoing programmes and responsibilities.
“I am satisfied with the readiness you have demonstrated in implementing Dira 2050,” he said. “We must recognise that we carry the expectations of the country’s top leadership in ensuring the successful implementation of the environmental pillar of Vision 2050.”
Environmental governance central to economic growth
Mr. Luvanda noted that the environmental pillar of Dira 2050 places strong emphasis on sustainable natural resource management and resilience to climate change, both of which are increasingly recognised as essential foundations for economic transformation.
He emphasised that protecting ecosystems, managing natural resources responsibly and strengthening climate resilience will be vital in safeguarding Tanzania’s long-term economic prospects, particularly as the country expands its industrial, agricultural and infrastructure base.
NEMC, which was established under the Environmental Management Act (Tanzania), is the government’s principal institution responsible for coordinating environmental protection, enforcement of environmental regulations and oversight of environmental impact assessments for major development projects.
Over the years, the council has played a key role in monitoring industrial pollution, managing environmental compliance in large infrastructure projects and supporting climate change mitigation initiatives.
Public awareness and stakeholder engagement
Mr Luvanda also stressed the need to intensify public education on environmental conservation, saying wider awareness among citizens, businesses and institutions would strengthen national efforts to protect the environment.
“Public awareness must be given special priority so that communities fully understand the importance of conserving the environment for the sustainable future of our nation,” he said.
He further advised NEMC’s management to enhance its outreach and visibility among stakeholders, noting that the institution’s mandate and responsibilities are clearly provided for in the laws and regulations governing its operations.
According to him, better communication with the public and private sector would help build stronger partnerships in addressing environmental challenges such as pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change.
Responding to the remarks, NEMC Director General Immaculate Sware thanked Mr. Luvanda for the visit and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting the government’s environmental agenda.
“As staff of NEMC, we warmly welcome you,” she said. “We recognise that your responsibilities reflect the work carried out by NEMC, and we stand ready to receive guidance and implement it to achieve the government’s vision.”
Dr. Sware said the council remains committed to strengthening environmental governance while supporting sustainable development initiatives across sectors such as mining, energy, agriculture and infrastructure.
Mr. Luvanda was recently appointed Deputy Permanent Secretary (Environment) in the Vice President’s Office by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, replacing Peter Msoffe, who has since been transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture (Tanzania).
His appointment comes at a time when Tanzania is strengthening its policy framework to integrate environmental protection into national economic planning, particularly as the country pursues ambitious targets under Vision 2050 and global climate commitments. Analysts say effective environmental governance will be critical as Tanzania seeks to balance rapid economic expansion with sustainable resource management and climate resilience in the decades ahead.
