THE government has asked the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to heighten its cooperation and support to Tanzania on the clean cooking energy agenda, an initiative which will help address environmental destruction.

Christina Mndeme, the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Vice President’s Office (Environment) made the appeal during the 11th Annual Subcommittee meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives of UNEP commenced yesterday in Nairobi, Kenya.

Mndeme emphasized the importance of supporting the agenda, highlighting its significant benefits for environmental conservation by promoting the transition away from the use of firewood and charcoal, which greatly contribute to deforestation.

She also called on UNEP to support Tanzania on carbon trading and the blue economy, areas that contribute to increasing income for citizens and the nation at large.

Regarding the meeting, she stated that Tanzania, as a member country, will understand more on the UNEP’s activities over the past one year but also outline the country’s priorities from them to be included in UNEP’s plans for the next implementation period (2024-2025).

Dr Berdard Kibesse, High Commissioner of Tanzania in Kenya expressed gratitude to UNEP for its ongoing support to Tanzania, particularly in climate change, biodiversity, and environmental pollution issues.

Dr Kibesse pledged Tanzania’s continued efforts in addressing global environmental challenges and their significant impacts.

The five-day meeting aims to review UNEP programmes for the period 2022-2023 and to discuss the work plan and budget for 2023-2024.

Here, delegates will assess UNEP’s implementation of activities, especially in climate change, biodiversity, and environmental pollution, while preparing for the upcoming meetings of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7).

The Committee of Permanent Representatives is an intersessional subsidiary organ of the UNEP that regularly reviews the implementation of the outcomes of the UN Environment Assembly, guides the development of the programme of work and budget and monitors its implementation and provides oversight regarding the work of the secretariat.

The Committee of Permanent Representatives, in accordance with Governing Council decision 19/32, comprises accredited representatives of all the States Members of the United Nations, of the specialized agencies of the United Nations and of the European Union, whether based in Nairobi or elsewhere.