Mazingira Yetu, Tanzania Ijayo: A Plastic-Free Generation Begins Today
Date
June 9, 2025Mazingira Yetu, Tanzania Ijayo: A Plastic-Free Generation Begins Today
Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango rallies Tanzania to action at World Environment Day, calling for bold steps against plastic pollution at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre in Dodoma.
On 5th June 2025, Tanzania joined the world in marking World Environment Day (WED), responding to the global call to “Beat Plastic Pollution” with bold, community-led action. Across the country, a wide range of stakeholders including schools, civil society, and government institutions united to tackle plastic waste, promote environmental education, and plant thousands of trees to demonstrate how local initiatives can contribute meaningfully to global environmental impact.
A National Response to a Global Crisis
Tanzania’s 2025 World Environment Day theme, “Mazingira Yetu na Tanzania Ijayo; Tuwajibike Sasa, Dhibiti Matumizi ya Plastiki” (“Our Environment and the Future of Tanzania – Let’s Act Now, Control Plastic Use”) underscored the urgent need to curb plastic pollution and accelerate sustainable environmental practices. The national WED event, held in Dodoma and led by Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening environmental laws and fostering inclusive, multi-stakeholder dialogue.
Dr. Mpango emphasized Tanzania’s multi-faceted approach to environmental sustainability, highlighting the ban on firewood and charcoal use in institutions serving more than 100 people as part of the broader clean energy transition. “By March 2025, over 760 institutions had shifted to clean cooking energy—proof that sustainable change is not only possible but happening,” declared Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango.
Expanding on this commitment, President Samia Suluhu Hassan officially launched the National Clean Cooking Energy Strategy (2024–2034) on May 8, 2024, in Dar es Salaam, setting an ambitious goal to transition 80% of Tanzanian households to clean cooking solutions by 2034. The strategy introduces subsidies for cooking gas, incentives for clean energy enterprises, and a nationwide awareness campaign to promote alternative solutions such as biogas, LPG, and improved cookstoves.
To accelerate adoption, the Ministry of Energy, in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), launched the National Clean Cooking Communications Strategy and Awareness Campaign on 2 June 2025. The campaign aims to educate communities about clean cooking alternatives, promote behavioural change, and support market development. The coordinated efforts of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango reflect Tanzania’s strong commitment to holistic sustainability—reducing plastic pollution, advancing cleaner energy, and enforcing long-term conservation policies.
The Vice President called on the media, government institutions, private sector, and civil society to intensify environmental awareness and take urgent action. With 61% of Tanzania’s land at risk of degradation, the government has introduced key policy frameworks such as the 2021 National Environmental Policy and the 2022–2032 Environmental Management Plan, both focused on reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable energy solutions. The National Climate Change Response Strategy (2021–2026) further outlines measures to address climate change, protect biodiversity, and strengthen resilience—demonstrating Tanzania’s firm commitment to environmental sustainability.
These policy-driven efforts demonstrate Tanzania’s proactive approach to sustainability, ensuring that environmental action extends beyond plastic reduction to encompass clean energy, conservation, and responsible waste management.
Youth-Led Action for a Sustainable Future
The Youth Forum, co-organized by the Vice President’s Office and the Africa Carbon Agency, served as a dynamic platform for young leaders to co-create innovative conservation solutions.
“Tanzania calls on African countries to advance the clean cooking agenda and remains committed to providing electricity access for millions,” emphasized Dr. Mpango, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation in driving sustainability efforts.
In Tanzania, youth are at the forefront of innovative sustainability efforts. A notable example is Climate Hub’s “Trash to Treasure” project, which equips young people with the skills to transform waste into valuable, eco-friendly products. By converting materials such as paper waste and charcoal dust into fuel briquettes, the initiative promotes environmental conservation while fostering green entrepreneurship—reducing reliance on plastic-based solutions.
Beyond waste management, Vi Agroforestry and its partners have actively engaged young people in tree planting, agroforestry education, and environmental learning, nurturing a new generation of conservation champions. Students and young professionals involved in these initiatives gain practical skills in sustainable land management while cultivating a long-term commitment to preserving Tanzania’s natural ecosystems.
These youth-driven initiatives exemplify how education, innovation, and community engagement can spark lasting behavioral change helping Tanzania shape a greener, more sustainable future.
Tanzania’s Firm Stance Against Plastic Pollution
Globally, over 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, with two-thirds used just once (UNEP, 2023). Tanzania’s firm response to this challenge, including the 2019 ban on plastic carrier bags; remains a landmark step demonstrating its commitment to environmental protection (URT, 2019).
Grassroots in Action: Vi Agroforestry and Partners
Beyond national policy, Tanzania’s progress is powered by grassroots leadership. Vi Agroforestry and its partners led impactful campaigns that championed tree planting, plastic reduction, and environmental education:
- In Tarime District, MVIWANYA planted over 4,300 trees across eight schools and surrounding communities. The initiative also established agroforestry demonstration plots to serve as field schools for practical tree planting education.
- In Masasi, KIMAS and TABIO mobilised over 300 students to plant more than 1,000 trees at Mtandi Secondary School. Additionally, 39 members of the environmental club at Mbembe Primary School received agroforestry training, linking agriculture with environmental conservation.
- In Kondoa District, INADES Formation and COUNSENUTH planted over 1,000 fruit, timber, and shade trees in schools, promoting the practical integration of environmental education into the curriculum.
- In Tarime DistrictNyakonga Ward, Inland Development Services (IDS), through the ASILI-B Programme, planted over 800 trees including Cedrela, Grevillea, and guava at Magoto Primary School.
“Teaching children how to protect the environment is our first line of defence against plastic pollution,” said Mr. Simion Mwita Bilai Head Teacher at Magoto Primary School.
Reducing Plastic, One Community at a Time
Efforts to reduce plastic pollution were central to many activities:
- MVIWANYA held workshops to raise awareness on plastic use and promote alternatives such as reusable bags and proper waste disposal.
- KIMAS introduced eco-friendly packaging and biodegradable farming inputs, reducing plastic waste while improving soil health.
- In Babati, the Civic Social Protection Foundation (CSP) led a riverbank clean-up, removing plastic waste and overgrown vegetation. The campaign raised awareness and installed “Do Not Litter” signs to encourage lasting environmental responsibility.
“Keeping our rivers clean is everyone’s responsibility. The ‘Do Not Litter’ signs help remind us to protect our environment,” said Nemence Iriya, CSP Executive Director
A Call for Global Solidarity
As OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann noted in the Global Plastics Outlook report:
“Ending plastic pollution demands more than local action, it requires a united global front.” (OECD, 2022).
Tanzania’s blend of national leadership and grassroots action sets a model for lasting change.
Towards a Greener Future
World Environment Day 2025 in Tanzania was more than a celebration—it marked a movement that, by combining plastic reduction, reforestation, and education, is charting a path toward environmental resilience. The tree planting efforts led by Vi Agroforestry and its partners not only help restore ecosystems but also offer sustainable alternatives to plastic, such as paper-based products derived from trees.
“Tree planting is a long-term investment in a plastic-free future. Trees give us shade, purifies air, and provide paper products that can replace plastic bags. In the long run, we help both people and trees to grow,” noted Martha Olotu, Vi Agroforestry Tanzania Country Manager.
Vi Agroforestry and its partners exemplify how collaborative, community-driven approaches can create lasting environmental impact. As the world confronts the twin crises of plastic pollution and climate change, Tanzania offers a compelling model of local action with global relevance.
Authors: Khalid Ngassa, Rashid Malya & Stella Msami
Editor: David Maeri
Reference
Climate Hub Tanzania. (2023). Trash to Treasure: Transforming waste into eco-friendly products. Climate Hub. Retrieved from https://www.climatehubtz.org/trash2treasure.php
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2022). Global plastics outlook: Economic drivers, environmental impacts and policy options. https://doi.org/10.1787/de747aef-en
United Republic of Tanzania. (2019). Environmental Management (Prohibition of Plastic Carrier Bags) Regulations, 2019 (Government Notice No. 394). Dar es Salaam: Government Printer. Retrieved from https://tanzlii.org/akn/tz/act/gn/2019/394/eng@2019-05-17
United Nations Environment Programme. (2023). Everything you need to know about plastic pollution. https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/everything-you-need-know-about-plastic-pollution