THE 2024 Climate Change Marathon, slated for September 28 at Pangani District, Tanga, has got government and mass responses whereby 300 runners are set to take part in the showdown.

The showdown is aiming at raising funds for purchasing liquefied petroleum gas cylinders and distributing them free of charge to Handeni communities' women, apart from mobilizing communities' awareness concerning environmental conservation through afforestation, reafforestation, and using clean cooking energy to mitigate climate change.

The race will also be a platform for the promotion of Saadani National Park and other tourist attractions located in Tanga.

Tree of Hope's Director Fortunata Manyeresa, whose institution is the race's organizer, revealed in an exclusive interview with The Guardian over the weekend that the Vice President’s Office, Tanga regional government officials, political figures, jogging groups, Green Samia group, and other prominent persons have confirmed to be part of the showdown.

She said apart from the race, there will be various colourful events featuring various sports competitions for eight schools and a sports bonanza two days before the marathon day.

"There will also be football and netball matches for four primary schools and as many secondary schools as well as pool table matches, tug-of-war, and hen chasing... winners will be awarded trophies and shields. There would further be distribution of sanitary pads to matured school girls," she disclosed.

Fortunata added: "Furthermore, the marathon - one of its kind - will also feature nightlife coastal traditional cuisine, entrepreneurship skills, batik clothes design, exhibitions, and live band entertainment."

The official noted that runners will have an opportunity to visit Saadani National Park, and there will also be a 'Yetu-Wetu' award for champion of environment conservation.

She said the showdown would feature four races, namely 21 km, 10 km, 5 km Fun Run, and a 2.5 km race special for children whereby the winner of the children's race will be awarded five exercise books, pens, and erasers.

She further pointed out that the winner of the 21 km race would walk away with 500,000/-, the second-placed runner would pocket 350,000/-, the third-place finisher would garner 250,000/-, whereas athletes coming fourth to 10th would rake in 70,000/- each.

In the 10-kilometre showdown, the champion will receive 350,000/-, the second-placed runner will garner 250,000/-, and the third-place finisher will take 150,000/-. The contenders ending fourth to 10th will walk away with 50,000/- each.

Fortunata noted: "The 5-kilometre winner would be given 150,000/-, the second-placed contender receives 100,000/-, and 50,000/- will be handed over to the third-place contender. Contenders ending fourth to 10th would receive 20,000/- each and medals."

 She also explained that the registration process is taking place online whereby participants will be required to pay 35,000/- each in registration fees.

According to her, they have to visit either www.gcctc.or.tzor social media accounts for gccctctanzania for registration.

She moreover pointed out that the earth is facing climate change caused by human activities like deforestation and industrialization, as well as the use of nuclear power weapons in the war zone countries that emit carbon monoxide that affects the ozone layer.

Recently, Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Dunstan Kitandula informed the Parliament that Tanzania is losing 469,000 hectares of forests annually due to human activities, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbate climate change.

Kitandula explained that Tanzania accommodates 48.1 million hectares of forests, including those managed by central and local governments, village forests, and private forests.

However, the country faces significant deforestation due to activities such as unsustainable agricultural practices, forest fires, and livestock grazing, resulting in the loss of 469,000 hectares annually.

To overcome the challenges, the government has implemented several strategies to protect existing forests and promote reforestation.

They include the 2024 Forest Conservation Strategy, the 2024 National Tree Nursery Preparation and Maintenance Guidelines, and the 2024 National Agroforestry Strategy.