THE ENVIRONMENT THIS WEEK

THE ENVIRONMENT THIS WEEK

There are now 6 days until World Environment Day (WED-2024), which will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 5, 2024. This means this is the final issue before WED 2024. This year's WED comes amid global exposure to various environmental events, including floods, hurricanes, wildfires, extreme heat events, and rising sea levels. As we await WED 2024, here are stories about water, land, forests, wildlife, and climate change.

WATER

Residents of Miyuguyu and Mguda villages in Kishapu District, Shinyanga Region, are expected to benefit from a rainwater harvesting project. The project will store rainwater in tanks within their households during the rainy season thus relieve women from the burden of fetching water from long distances during the dry season. In Dar es Salaam, the residents of Lindi Street, Kariakoo in Gerezani Ward, Ilala District, have appealed to the Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner for help with the ongoing issue of stagnant sewage, fearing disease outbreaks. In response, Regional Commissioner Albert Chalamila has ordered DAWASA, TARURA, and DART to meet and develop a solution immediately. Remaining on the water sector, some water resources including fisheries are to be sold to the American market following a new agreement that set to boost fish exports to the US.

LAND

The Regional Commissioner of Arusha, Paul Makonda, dismissed Arusha Municipality Land Officer Shevednaz Mwakyokola during a public meeting in Ngaramtoni, Arumeru District, after witnessing him accept a 5 million shilling bribe. Makonda ordered the police to take Mwakyokola into custody for investigation by the anti-corruption authority, PCCB.

FORESTS

The Museo delle Scienze (MUSE) in Trento, Italy, has created a Butterfly Forest inside a greenhouse to raise public awareness about biodiversity research. Modeled after Tanzania's Udzungwa Mountains, a biodiversity hotspot, the forest includes plant species and various wildlife, showcasing the impact of deforestation and climate change. This project highlights the critical roles butterflies play in ecosystems, such as pollination and serving as indicators of biodiversity health. MUSE collaborates with the Tanzania National Parks Authority to support research and environmental education, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts to protect butterfly populations and overall biodiversity.

WILDLIFE

Wildlife actors continue to highlight the fascinating world of wildlife. In Kenya, travelers on the Lamu-Garsen highway are often likened to tourists visiting Kenya's renowned national parks due to the abundant wildlife in the surrounding forests. The highway offers frequent sightings of various animals such as monkeys, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and lions.

EXTRACTIVES

The President of the United Republic of Tanzania has visited South Korea where among many, the President Will is set to sign agreements between the Tanzania Mineral Research Institute (GST) and the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources. This partnership will focus on research, mapping, and resources.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Victims of floods in Rufiji have been provided with maize/corn seeds following the effects of climate change. At the same time, victims of mud slides in Manyara are to be given houses in July following mud slides for which many attach with climate change. Remaining in Manyara, women in pastoralist communities of Losirwa, Esilalei ward, Monduli district are coping with climate change.