Stakeholders in biodiversity call for immediate action

Dar es Salaam. Local and international biodiversity stakeholders are raising an alarm about existing challenges hindering biodiversity development in the country, including a lack of awareness and ignorance about policy changes.

Other challenges include climate change and a poor understanding of sources of investment from different corners of the world.

A United Nations (UN) member of the biodiversity advisory committee for the Nagoya Protocol, Ghaamid Abdulbasat, said lack of awareness on biodiversity due to inclusion of the minority at the policy level hinders the proper flow of information about the subject matter.

“There are decisions to sustain this sector that are made on both global and national levels. However, Tanzanians remain in the dark about challenges and improvements,” he said, citing prevailing El Nino rains as an example.

“A few people would understand about such a naturally occurring phenomenon that has left an impact on the ecosystem and species,” he added.

Furthermore, he detailed that policy changes and contracts signed to minimise the escalation of impacts that threaten the lives of animals, plants, or other species remain unknown to most Tanzanians.

He said climate change was another challenge, noting, however, that solutions suggested by policymakers remain relatively unfriendly ecologically.

“The focus has been on reducing carbon emissions rather than how hostile the processes are to the ecosystem. They are supposed to explore favourable methods for the environment and the ecosystem,” he pointed out.

He advised biodiversity stakeholders, including the government, to import modern technology that would enhance the analysis of the soil, plants, and wildlife.

“The government should attract investment from global funds to support the country’s future commitments,” he said, suggesting that the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund launched in August this year could be the new funding source.

Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) lecturer Andrew Dino said Tanzania’s biodiversity faces another challenge of rapid population growth, which demands overexploitation of available resources, hence causing more disturbance of nature than could be handled.

“Lack of implementation of available policies developed to protect the environment is another challenge. Tanzania has to catch up with the world in the sector sustainable development goal through thorough implementation of formulated policies,” he said.

Mr Dino suggested that Tanzania should focus on tree planting and management for biodiversity development.

“Most trees end up in nursery and planting stages. Their survival is not guaranteed. However, management of tree planting will make great changes,” he insisted.

Dryada chief executive director Fabio Ferrari said Tanzania’s biodiversity was extraordinary, noting that the country has experienced massive deforestation for over 30 years, leading to several challenges including soil degradation and desertification.

“Foreign investors can participate in quality reforestation projects, such as large-scale projects with a strong focus on biodiversity and local populations. African countries can play a key role in green diplomacy,” he said.

“This question should be answered: How would plans to attract international private investors through reforestation projects benefit my climate objectives while improving biodiversity and the livelihoods of my population?” he added.

He stressed that developing a proactive approach to restoring biodiversity in partnership with international private investors can provide countries with better economic resilience.