Experts have been called upon to develop clear proposals and a common national position ahead of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31). The conference, scheduled to take place in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20, presents an opportunity for Tanzania to mobilise resources for environmental protection and climate change initiatives. The Environmental Management Transformation Programme towards Vision 2050 has identified financing requirements of $7.3trn.
The Director of Environment in the Vice-President’s Office, Ms Kemilembe Mutasa, made the call during the opening of an experts’ meeting on Tanzania’s preparations for COP31 in Dar es Salaam. She represented the Permanent Secretary in the Vice-President’s Office, Dr Richard Muyungi. Ms Mutasa urged Tanzanian stakeholders attending COP31 to prioritise the interests of more than 60 million citizens and speak with one voice to strengthen the country’s representation in international climate negotiations.
Tanzania chaired the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change at COP30, held in Brazil last year, coordinating Africa’s common position on climate financing and implementation of international agreements. One of the achievements was the establishment of a climate negotiations training centre for young people. The Vice-President’s Office recently coordinated its first training programme in Dar es Salaam from October 20 to 22.
Zanzibar Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries Director of Marine Conservation, Dr Makame Omar Makame, said the Isles were vulnerable to climate change, particularly in agriculture and fisheries. He stated that Zanzibar would use COP31 to advocate increased financing for environmental conservation and climate resilience projects. The funds would support the construction of sea walls to address coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion, as well as public education on climate change.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) representative, Ghaamid Abdulbasat, said the organisation continued to collaborate with the government through the Vice-President’s Office to implement international climate commitments. He cited the global Restoration Initiative, which aims to restore natural vegetation across 5.2 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 in the Great Ruaha and Lake Rukwa basins, covering Iringa, Mbeya and Rukwa regions.
Ms Mutasa emphasised that preparations for the conference were the responsibility of Tanzanians, and they must ensure that the required funds are secured through negotiations at the meeting. She urged stakeholders to work together to achieve this goal. The country’s participation in COP31 is crucial in securing funding for environmental and climate change projects.
The experts’ meeting in Dar es Salaam aimed to prepare Tanzania’s position for COP31, where the country will negotiate for funding to support its environmental and climate change initiatives. The meeting provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss and agree on a common national position, ensuring that Tanzania’s interests are represented at the conference.
Key points
- Tanzania needs to secure $7.3trn for environmental and climate change projects at COP31.
- The country will use COP31 to advocate for increased financing for environmental conservation and climate resilience projects.
- Experts have been urged to develop clear proposals and a common national position ahead of COP31.
