Dar es Salaam. Tanzania is targeting Sh7.3 trillion to finance environmental conservation and climate change projects as it prepares for the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) in Trkiye next month.
The government has called on experts to develop clear proposals and a unified national position to strengthen the country’s negotiating power and help secure the funding needed to implement its environmental management programmes under Development Vision 2050.
Permanent Secretary in the Vice-President’s Office, Dr Richard Muyungi, made the call in a speech read by Director of Environment Kemilembe Mutasa during an experts’ meeting in Dar es Salaam on Tanzania’s preparations for the conference, scheduled for November 9 to 20, 2026, in Antalya.
‘The Environmental Management Transformation Programme towards Vision 2050 has identified financial requirements amounting to Sh7.3 trillion. As we head to the conference, it is our responsibility to ensure these funds are secured through negotiations,’ Dr Muyungi said.
He urged Tanzanian delegates to put the interests of more than 60 million citizens first and speak with one voice during the negotiations, saying a coordinated position would strengthen the country’s representation and ability to advance its priorities.
Dr Muyungi said Tanzania had gained experience in international climate negotiations through its role as chair of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) at COP30 in Brazil, where it helped coordinate Africa’s common position on climate finance and the implementation of international agreements.
He cited the establishment of a climate negotiation training programme for young people as one of the achievements associated with the country’s engagement in the process.
The Vice-President’s Office coordinated the programme’s first training session in Dar es Salaam from October 20 to 22, 2026.
Other achievements included the launch of a commemorative book marking 30 years of the AGN, documenting the group’s history, achievements and contribution to global climate negotiations.
Dr Muyungi also pointed to the establishment of a regional office for the Santiago Network, which supports access to technical assistance for countries facing climate-related loss and damage.
Meanwhile, Zanzibar plans to use COP31 to push for more financing to protect vulnerable coastal areas and strengthen climate resilience in sectors such as agriculture and fisheries.
Director of Marine Conservation at Zanzibar’s Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Makame Omar Makame, said the islands were exposed to climate-related threats that could affect livelihoods and economic activities.
He said the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government would join other stakeholders in seeking funding for environmental conservation and climate change adaptation projects.
‘The funds secured will enable the construction of sea walls to prevent coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion, as well as support public education on climate change,’ Dr Makame said.
A representative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Ghaamid Abdulbasat, said the organisation was working with the government through the Vice President’s Office to implement commitments under international environmental agreements.
He cited the Global Restoration Initiative, which aims to restore natural vegetation across approximately 5.2 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 in the Great Ruaha and Lake Rukwa basins, covering parts of Iringa, Mbeya and Rukwa regions.