Tanzania outlines measures to counter the impacts of rising sea levels

Dar es Salaam. The government has announced that it is developing a Blue Economy Policy as part of its efforts to mitigate the impacts of rising sea levels on the Indian Ocean, which are causing serious consequences for livelihoods.

The Minister of State in the Vice President's Office responsible for Environment and Union Affairs, Dr Selemani Jafo, made this revelation in Parliament on Friday, April 5, 2024, during the Question and Answer session.

Dr Jafo was responding to a supplementary question from Prof Patrick Ndakidemi, Moshi Rural MP, CCM, who sought information on the government's plans to protect threatened areas from submergence and its collaboration with global environmental stakeholders.

Dr Jafo said: "We are developing a new Blue Economy Policy that will oversee and protect ocean corridors from the impacts of rising sea levels." He also mentioned that the government plans to efficiently and effectively supervise the policy's implementation in the stated areas.

He noted that in 2021, the government reviewed the country's environmental policy of 1997, and strategic plans aimed at addressing environmental issues, including beach erosion, were enacted the following year (2022).

Dr Jafo commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan's administration for its environmental agenda, citing her unveiling of the agenda and mobilisation of resources from different stakeholders during the Glasgow Cop 26 in 2021.

He assured Parliament that the government has good relations with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Plans are also underway for Tanzania to join the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) to access funds for supporting development activities.

Responding to Prof Ndakidemi's main question about reports of rising sea levels in the Indian Ocean, Dr Jafo confirmed that the sea level has been increasing due to the rise in global temperatures, resulting in the melting of ice in various parts of the world.

He stated that research and measurements indicate that the rising sea level on the coast of Dar es Salaam has been increasing by an average of 6mm per year since 2002.

Consequences of the rising sea levels include increased erosion, loss of beaches, destruction of infrastructure such as port docks, roads, office buildings, and markets, as well as loss of vital biodiversity, agricultural and residential land, infiltration of saltwater into freshwater wells, and frequent flooding.

In response to a question from Ms Asia Halamga, Special Seats MP, CCM, about plans to rescue Lake Babati; Dr Jafo stated that the government is expected to develop a strategy in the coming financial year to rescue Lake Babati and other lakes from the effects of seaweeds.

Mr Khalifa Mohammed Issa, the Mtambwe legislator, ACT-Wazalendo, asked about plans to rescue Mtambwe Mkuu Island from threats of submergence. Dr Jafo mentioned that experts have been dispatched to the area, and their findings will inform future actions.

He also mentioned collaboration with citizens on education and adaptation measures, including tree planting, and seeking funds for the construction of sea walls in severely affected areas.

Mr Simai Hassan Sadiki, Nungwi MP, CCM, inquired whether the union and Zanzibar governments were aware of the impacts of rising sea levels in the Nungwi area.

Dr Jafo, in response, acknowledged the challenges facing the area and stated that the government is seeking specific funds to address them.