Tanzanians urged to beef up efforts to combat desertification, drought
DAR ES SALAAM, June 17 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian authorities on Tuesday called on citizens and environmental stakeholders to join forces with the government in the fight against desertification and drought, emphasizing the importance of collective action for the well-being of current and future generations.
Speaking in the Shinyanga Region during the commemoration of the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, Khamis Hamza Khamis, deputy minister in the Vice President's Office responsible for union and environment, reaffirmed Tanzania's commitment to the global target of restoring 1 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030.
Khamis noted that Tanzania is among the countries severely affected by drought, and highlighted the government's proactive steps, which include engaging sectoral ministries, public institutions, development partners, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, and religious organizations.
He announced that the government has developed a national action plan aimed at combating desertification and mitigating the impacts of drought.
Khamis also urged the public to continue planting and nurturing trees as a key measure to reduce drought-related impacts, especially in critical sectors such as water, agriculture, and livestock.
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