This is an area of operation in which the ESBN deals effectively to ensure that the environment is conserved. It is obviously, the majority of Tanzanians rely on agriculture but nowadays starting to adopt the industrial mindset in line with the national industrial policy - “Tanzania's Industrial Economy”.
Today, a lot of problems are hindering environmentally sustainable development in the country, whether on land or at sea due to the number of agricultural and industrial activities done.
- Illegal and unsustainable deforestation: Many Tanzanian in rural areas rely on wood and agricultural residues for their energy needs, causing deforestation and environmental degradation. Deforested areas no longer provide a home for wildlife leading to biodiversity loss and are also susceptible to soil erosion.
- Overgrazing: The large number of cattle and goats exceed the area’s natural carrying capacity leads to destruction of vegetation and ground becomes exposed to soil erosion, which greatly reduces its ability to grow new plants. Eroded soil also runs into rivers and out at sea, where it smothers sensitive corals.
- Pollution: In Tanzania’s major towns and cities, solid and liquid wastes are left untreated. As a result, air and water are contaminated with pollutants, a major health hazard for those who live in under-privileged areas. Industrial smoke also is a major problem of urban air pollution.
We as ESBN have taken and continue to take steps to ensure that our environment is protected by providing environmental education to the societies throughout the country in collaboration with various environmental stakeholders within and outside the country.
