FAITH leaders have presented recommendations to the government on the urgent need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Azgard Stephen, the director of development and advocacy at the Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT) presented the proposals drawn up by representatives from CCT, the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), the Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA), the Seventh-Day Adventist Church (SDA), and the Mennonite Church, stressing the importance of a standalone climate change policy. 

The call was issued on Tuesday in the capital, at a meeting between faith-based organisations’ leaders and officials of the Union and Environment ministry at the Vice President’s Office (VPO). 

In his remarks, the director asserted that such a policy would facilitate streamlining the translation of strategies into actionable measures.

The proposals are a move to address the growing impact of climate change, based on idea of a standalone climate change policy, setting up a comprehensive coordination framework for climate interventions and the promotion of science and innovation in agriculture.

“A clear, standalone policy will make it easier to implement climate change mitigation efforts and ensure cohesive strategies,” he stated.

Additionally, the faith leaders called for the development of a national climate change framework that integrates coordination, financing and planning to harmonize policies across various sectors. 

The framework would facilitate stakeholder engagement and ensure that climate change actions are cohesive and impactful, the proposals indicated.

In the agricultural sector, the leaders advocated for the increased use of science, innovation and technology to help communities adapt to climate change while boosting productivity. 

“Technology and innovation in agriculture are critical to responding effectively to climate change and ensuring food security,” the presenter emphasised.

Abdallah Hassan Mitawi, the VPO deputy permanent secretary (Union), acknowledged the importance of involving faith-based organisations in climate change efforts. 

The VPO is in the process of establishing a coordinating unit for engaging FBOs on issues like climate policy, he said, underlining the critical role faith organizations in educating communities.

“We are working to strengthen this partnership,” he said, addressing the challenge of coordination between stakeholders. Steps are already being taken to ensure that FBOs have a designated coordinator to streamline their involvement in climate change efforts, he explained.

The faith leaders are doing well in using their platforms to raise awareness on climate change and its impacts, with VPO strongly committed to collaborating with faith leaders in promoting climate change education for greater resilience, he added.