DEPUTY Minister of State, Vice President’s Office (Union and Environment), Khamis Hamza Khamis has urged Lake Tanganyika member countries to enhance protection efforts, emphasizing its significance for social activities and environmental sustainability.

Khamis made the appeal in Dar es Salaam over the weekend during the Third Extra-ordinary Meeting of the Lake Tanganyika Authority (LTA) Conference of Ministers.

The meeting brought ministers and experts of the member countries — Tanzania, Zambia, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with focus on addressing the rising water levels in the lake and its associated challenges.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Khamis assured that the Tanzanian government is actively working to maintain Lake Tanganyika’s ecological integrity.

He highlighted initiatives encouraging local communities, particularly those living around the lake, to engage in tree planting to combat soil erosion and protect the lake basin. 

Addressing the threats posed by unsustainable and informal fishing practices, Khamis stressed the importance of enforcing fishing laws to mitigate environmental degradation.

“We are committed to ensuring that our citizens adhere to these regulations, which is vital for reducing the impacts of climate change and preserving the lake’s water levels,” he said.

During the meeting, the four member countries agreed to establish a weather reporting and early warning system to enhance their strategies for addressing climate change impacts on Lake Tanganyika.

Chair of the meeting, Mike Mposha, who is also Zambia’s Minister of Green Economy and Environment, emphasized the urgency of implementing plans to restore degraded areas and ensure sustainable environmental protection in the basin.

Mposha acknowledged the ongoing challenges of rising water levels, climate change, and deforestation, calling for robust collaboration among the nations.

“It is essential that the resolutions from this meeting are prioritized by member countries, the Lake Tanganyika Authority and our partners to tackle these challenges effectively,” he said.

He also commended the Tanzanian government for its commitment to protecting Lake Tanganyika and its surrounding areas, serving as a model for regional cooperation.

Prior to the ministerial discussions, experts and the management of the LTA convened from October 1 to 3, 2024, to explore solutions to the rising water levels in Lake Tanganyika.