Tanzanian politician and 2013 Tutu Fellow, January Makamba - since his appointment as Minister of Environment and Union in President John Magufuli’s cabinet - has led initiatives and missions committed to protecting the environment. Some of the key areas he currently addresses focus on protection of forests, implementing solutions for aquatic wildlife, and addressing the prospective water crisis. His point of view regarding the environment is very much in keeping with the saying: we’ve not inherited this planet from our fathers, we’ve borrowed it from our children.
Pertinent to the mission of conserving the planet for Tanzania’s future, is the need to prevent the felling of trees. According to Makamba, new legislation will be instituted to regulate the purchasing and ownership of chainsaws.
Citing a site in Kalambo, where forest life has been decimated due to the excessive use of chainsaws, this legislation will help safeguard Tanzania’s forest life, while also addressing a growing deforestation trend in Tanzania, on the continent, and across the world.
Another operation that Makamba has committed to while in office is the protection of aquatic habitats. In Katuma, hippos were scorched by the sun and some died from the heat as a result of upstream diversions to the river. In response, Makamba led the demolition of forty diversions, enabling hippos to thrive in the flowing river.
Although Lake Tanganyika holds 16% of the world’s water, it is quickly diminishing - a reality Makamba hopes to address. While Tanganyika remains vulnerable to losing its water, Makamba also notes that Lake Rukwa’s shrinking size will add to the water scarcity crisis. Makamba has initiated a “Strategic Environmental Assessment” as a basis of crafting solutions.
Makamba’s leadership as minister is vital to conserving the continent’s environment for future generations.
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