Environment & Natural Resources
EAC Partner States join forces against eco-threats to the region's estimated US$11 billion annual natural capital
… as pivotal meeting paves way for action plan to protect transboundary ecosystems and economies that impact millions in East Africa
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 17th December, 2021: In a strong countermove against environmental and economic threats, officials from the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat and six Partner States gathered from13th to 14th December, 2021 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to reaffirm new strategies involving cross-border cooperation.
The joint effort is in response to a landmark study of four iconic “natural capital” landscapes the countries share.
EAC calls for increased regional coordination in ecosystem conservation and management
East African Community, Dodoma, Tanzania 2nd June, 2021: The EAC Deputy Secretary General in charge of Productive and Social Sectors, Hon. Christophe Bazivamo has called on Partner States to increase regional coordination in response to the increasing problems of the Ecosystems.
“We are all aware of the challenges the region is facing including those related to the management of natural resources and the environment”
He disclosed that in response to the increasing challenges to the management of ecosystems, Article 114 of the Treaty for the establishment of the East African Community, the EAC Partner States have amongst other things, agreed to adopt common policies and exchange of information on the development, conservation and management of natural resources.
EAC to host Environment Week in Dodoma
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, 28th May, 2021: The East African Community will join the rest of the world to commemorate the World Environmental Day by organising the “EAC Regional Environmental Week” (EACREW) from 2nd – 4th June, 2021 in Dodoma, United Republic of Tanzania.
The objective of the EACREW is to increase public awareness on the need to sustainably manage and conserve the environment and natural resources in the region. The EACREW will also help to reach out to the intended beneficiaries of the regional policies, instruments and actions on environment and natural resources management.
EAC Partner States directed to enforce laws banning plastic carrier bags
East African Community Headquarters, Arusha, Tanzania, 10th February, 2020: East African Community Partner States have been directed to enforce relevant laws to effectively ban the manufacture and use of plastic carrier bags with immediate effect.
The 7th Meeting of the EAC Sectoral Council on Environment and Natural Resources Management which met in Dodoma, Tanzania further directed Partner States that have not completely banned the single use plastic and plastic carrier bags to do so urgently.
So far, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania have fully enforced the ban on the manufacture of single use plastic and plastic carrier bags.