Sera na Mfumo wa Kisheria

Sera na Mfumo wa Kisheria

Sera

Sera ya Taifa ya Mazingira, 1997:  Sera inatoa mfumo wa kufanya mabadiliko ya kimsingi ambayo yanahitajika ili kuingiza masuala ya mazingira katika kufanya maamuzi nchini Tanzania. Sera inatoa miongozo ya kubainisha hatua za kipaumbele, na inatoa ufuatiliaji na mapitio ya mara kwa mara ya sera, mipango na programu. Zaidi ya hayo, inatoa fursa kwa uchambuzi wa sera za kisekta na kisekta ili kuleta maelewano na maelewano miongoni mwa sekta na makundi yenye maslahi.

Sera za Kisekta:  Kuna sera kadhaa za kisekta zinazosaidia usimamizi wa mazingira nchini Tanzania. Sera hizo zinatengenezwa, si tu kwa ajili ya kutatua changamoto katika sekta husika, bali kujumuisha vipengele vya kushughulikia masuala ya mazingira katika sekta husika.

a) Sera ya Taifa ya Kilimo, 2013:  Sera inalenga kuendeleza sekta ya kilimo yenye ufanisi, shindani na yenye faida ambayo inachangia uboreshaji wa maisha ya Watanzania na kufikia ukuaji mpana wa uchumi na kupunguza umaskini. Kuhusu usimamizi wa mazingira, Sera inalenga kukuza kanuni za kilimo zinazodumisha mazingira. Ili kufikia hili, Sera inaeleza afua za kisera ikiwa ni pamoja na mifumo endelevu ya onyo na ufuatiliaji wa mazingira; kuboresha hatua za kukabiliana na mabadiliko ya hali ya hewa; uelewa wa umma juu ya kilimo endelevu; na kutekeleza sheria na kanuni husika za mazingira.

b) Sera ya Taifa ya Mifugo, 2006: Lengo la sera kuhusu mazingira ni kuhakikisha mazingira yanahifadhiwa kwa ajili ya uzalishaji endelevu wa mifugo. Sera inaangazia ufugaji endelevu na shughuli zake zinazohusiana zinazohitaji matumizi sahihi na usimamizi wa mazingira. Sera inatambua kuwa ongezeko la idadi ya mifugo na shughuli za kibinadamu zinazohusiana na uzalishaji wa mifugo katika baadhi ya maeneo nchini zimesababisha matumizi makubwa ya maliasili. Hii imesababisha malisho ya mifugo kupita kiasi, mmomonyoko wa udongo, ukataji miti, uharibifu wa vyanzo vya maji na uchafuzi wa mazingira. Ili kufikia malengo ya sera ya usimamizi wa mazingira sera inalenga kuimarisha huduma za msaada wa kiufundi kuhusu masuala ya mazingira, kukuza upangaji wa matumizi bora ya ardhi kwa ajili ya uzalishaji wa mifugo na kuimarisha uratibu wa sekta mbalimbali kuhusu masuala ya mazingira.

c) Sera ya Taifa ya Umwagiliaji ya mwaka 2010:  Malengo ya Sera ya Taifa ya Umwagiliaji kuhusu mazingira ni pamoja na uhamasishaji wa matumizi bora ya maji katika mifumo ya umwagiliaji, na kuhakikisha kuwa uendelezaji wa umwagiliaji unawezekana kitaalam, kiuchumi, kuhitajika kijamii na kudumisha mazingira. Sera inalenga kuwa na mifumo ya umwagiliaji ambayo ni nzuri kimazingira kwa kuhakikisha uzingatiaji wa sheria husika; kulinda na kuhifadhi vyanzo vya maji na ardhi; udhibiti wa uchafuzi wa mazingira katika kilimo cha umwagiliaji na uendelezaji wa matumizi sahihi ya ardhi.

d) Sera ya Taifa ya Misitu, 1998:  Lengo la jumla la Sera ya Taifa ya Misitu (1998) ni kuongeza mchango wa sekta ya misitu katika maendeleo endelevu ya Tanzania na uhifadhi na usimamizi wa maliasili zake kwa manufaa ya sasa na ya baadaye. vizazi. Sera, pamoja na vipengele vingine, inatambua thamani kubwa ya misitu kutokana na uwezekano mkubwa wa kukusanya mrabaha, mapato ya mauzo ya nje na utalii pamoja na kuchakata na kutwaa kaboni na uhifadhi wa bayoanuwai muhimu duniani. Zaidi ya hayo, sera inasisitiza juu ya uhifadhi wa bioanuwai; inaeleza umuhimu wa mifumo ikolojia ya misitu kwa ajili ya kudumisha bayoanuwai na matishio kwa bayoanuwai. Mojawapo ya malengo makuu yanayotajwa katika sera hiyo yanalenga katika kuhakikisha uthabiti wa mfumo ikolojia kupitia uhifadhi wa bioanuwai ya misitu, vyanzo vya maji, na rutuba ya udongo. 

e) Tamko la Sera na Mkakati wa Sekta ya Uvuvi, 1997:  Sera inakubali uhusiano kati ya uvunaji endelevu wa rasilimali za samaki na utoaji wa chakula bora, mapato na ajira. Ingawa uhusiano kati ya umaskini na mazingira unatambuliwa, jukumu la umaskini kama kikwazo kwa usimamizi endelevu wa rasilimali za uvuvi, au uwezekano wa kuendeleza uhusiano chanya wa mazingira/umaskini, halijaangaziwa katika sera. 

f) Sera ya Wanyamapori, 2007:  Sera inazingatia ulinzi na uhifadhi wa wanyamapori ili kuhakikisha uendelevu wa mifumo ikolojia ya wanyamapori. Baadhi ya malengo ya Sera ni pamoja na kuanzisha, kutunza na kuendeleza mtandao wa Maeneo Tengefu ili kuimarisha bioanuwai; uhifadhi wa wanyamapori na makazi yake nje ya maeneo ya msingi kwa kuanzisha Maeneo ya Hifadhi ya Wanyamapori (WMAs); na uhifadhi wa Ardhioevu. 

g) Sera ya Taifa ya Utalii, 1999:  Sera inatambua uhusiano kati ya mazingira na maendeleo ya utalii endelevu. Madhumuni ya sera hiyo ni kuhakikisha kwamba maendeleo ya utalii yanazingatia tathmini makini ya kubeba uwezo wa bidhaa za utalii na kuhakikisha uboreshaji na uboreshaji wa vipengele maalum vya mazingira ili maendeleo ya utalii yasigongane na misitu asilia, fukwe, milima na mengine muhimu. mimea. 

h) Sera ya Taifa ya Maji, 2002: The main objective of the Policy is to develop a comprehensive framework for sustainable development and management of the nation’s water resources. Specifically on the environment the objective is to have a water management system that protects the environment, ecological system and biodiversity. The policy emphasizes that water related activities will have to be planned to enhance or to cause least detrimental effects on the environment. In order to protect ecological systems and biodiversity which, together, are important part of sustainable water resources system the policy provides a guide for determining water for the environment, in terms of quantity and quality, and levels, for both surface and groundwater resource. The policy emphasizes the use of best available scientific information for both temporal and spatial water requirements to maintain the health and viability of riverine and estuary ecosystems, and associated flora and fauna. Public awareness on good land-use practices is insisted in order to contain the erosion problem. 

i)        National Land Policy, 1995: The National Land Policy of 1995 aims at developing a coherent and comprehensive framework that defines land tenure and enables proper management and allocation of land in urban and rural areas. Among other things, the Policy advocates the protection of land resources from degradation, for sustainable development. The policy addresses several environmental issues such as land use planning, which take into consideration the land capability, ensures proper management of land resources, promotes resource sharing and multiple land use techniques in areas of conflicting land use, and involve community in resource management, land use and conflict resolution. 

j)        National Biotechnology Policy, 2010: The general objective of the National Biotechnology Policy is to ensure that Tanzania has the capacity and capability to capture the proven benefits arising from health, agriculture, industry and environmental applications of biotechnology while protecting and sustaining the safety of the community and the environment. The Policy reiterates the importance of conservation and utilization of plant, animal and microorganism genetic resources. The Policy emphasizes that the narrow pool of the biodiversity is under constant threat of extinction due to various human activities leading to environmental pollution and climate change. Therefore, the need to sustainably conserve and utilize the national genetic resources is important and urgent. In order to sustainably conserve and utilize genetic resources, the Policy seeks to promote sustainable utilization of genetic resources and create public awareness on the value of genetic resources for food and agriculture. 

k)      Mineral Policy of Tanzania, 2009: The objective of the Mineral Policy of Tanzania on environment is to reduce or eliminate adverse environmental effects of mining, by promoting health and safety conditions in mining areas and addressing social issues affecting local communities. It requires mining operations to carry out EIA and directs mining companies to set aside funds for environmental rehabilitation and mine closure obligations. 

l)        National Health Policy, 2007: The overall objective of the National Health Policy, 2007 is to improve the health and well being of all Tanzanians. In line with environmental health, Policy seeks to protect community health by enhancing sustainable environmental health. The Policy emphasizes on community adherence to environmental health standards; Improvement of waste management systems including disposal of hospital wastes; educating health service providers on the importance of environmental health in their working areas; and putting in place laws and procedures for conservation and protection of the environment in the health sector. 

m)    National Energy Policy, 2003: The Policy, among others, focuses on utilization of various energy resources in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. The Policy recognizes, that energy is a prerequisite for the proper functioning of all sub-sectors of the economy. The Policy stresses the use of renewable and alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, mini-hydropower generators and use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as well as natural gas. The use of alternative energy sources such as biogas, briquettes both for domestic and industrial uses is encouraged to minimize the use of charcoal and firewood to prevent massive deforestation. 

n)      Sustainable Industrial Development Policy, 1996: The Policy provides for sound environmental management in order to ensure promotion of environmentally friendly and ecologically sustainable industrial development. The Policy insists that environmental audit and appropriate mitigation measures should be enforced for all industrial projects at pre-implementation stage. 

o)      National Population Policy, 2006: The Policy recognizes the impacts of population growth on natural resources and environment. The policy goal is to prepare and implement coordinated urban, rural and regional development plans for rapid development in the country and to reduce the rate of rural-urban migration. 

p)      National Human Settlements Development Policy, 2000: The Policy stresses on the need for ensuring that human settlements are kept clean and pollution effects of solid and liquid wastes do not endanger the health of residents. The policy advocates for a set of environmental quality standards of gaseous emissions from industries and vehicles. 

Legislations

Legislation is regarded as one of the three main functions of government, which are often distinguished under the doctrine of separation of powers as per the constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania. There are several legal and regulatory instruments which are relevant to environmental management in Tanzania. Some of them are discussed below. 

Environmental Management Act (Cap. 191)

The Act is a framework environmental law which provides for legal and institutional framework for sustainable management of the environment and natural resources in the country. The Act includes provisions for institutional roles and responsibilities with regard to environmental management; environmental impact assessments; strategic environmental assessment; pollution prevention and control; waste management; environmental standards; state of the environment reporting; enforcement of the Act; and a National Environmental Trust Fund. Between 2008 and 2013, a total of 21 regulations have been developed to facilitate implementation of the Act. Some of these Regulations include Biosafety Regulations, 2009; Waste Management Regulations 2009; Strategic Environmental Assessment Regulations, 2009; Solid Waste Management Regulations, 2009; Environmental Inspectors Regulations, 2011; Noise and Vibration Standard Regulations, 2011; and Hazardous Waste Management Regulations, 2009. In order to reach the general public the Act and some of its subsequent regulations were translated into Kiswahili and disseminated accordingly. 

Other Sectoral legislation

a)      Forest Act No. 7 of 2002: The Act provides for management of forests and requires carrying out of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for certain development projects. The Act obliges establishment of forest management plan for all types of forest to ensure sustainable management in the long-term. The Act provides for designation of Community Forest Reserves, Mangrove Forest Reserves and encourages community based management 

b)      Wildlife Conservation Act No. 5 of 2009: The Act provides for the conservation of wildlife and ensures protection, management and sustainable utilization of wildlife resources, habitats, ecosystems and the non-living environment supporting such resources, habitats or ecosystems with actual or potential use or value. 

c)       Marine Parks and Reserves Act No. 29 of 1994: The Act aims at protecting, conserving, and restoring species and genetic diversity of living and non-living marine resources and ecosystem processes of marine and coastal areas. It provides for management of marine and coastal areas so as to promote sustainability of existing resource use, and the recovery of areas and resources that have been over-exploited or damaged. 

d)      Fisheries Act No. 22 of 2003: The Act regulates fishing activities in both fresh and marine waters. Among other things, it emphasizes on the conservation of fisheries resources in particular critical habitats or endangered species, and restricts the issuance of fishing licences for fishing in any conserved areas. The Act also provides for enforcement in collaboration with other related agencies and fisher communities to ensure effective implementation of this Act. The Act further requires formation of community management units for the purpose of protecting and conserving fishery resources. 

e)      Plant Protection Act No. 13 of 1997: The Act provides for prevention of the introduction and spread of harmful organisms, to ensure sustainable plant and environmental protection, to control the importation and use of plant protection substances, to regulate export and imports of plants and plant products. 

f)       Land Act No. 4 of 1999 and Village Land Act No. 5 of 1999: The Land Act and Village Land Act have provisions that are important for environmental management. The fundamental principle of the Land Act is to ensure that land is used productively and that, any such use complies with the principles of sustainable development. Among others, the Act prohibits any development activities in environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands and swamps and 60m from the shoreline and riverbanks. The Village Land Act as well empowers the Village Government to have legal control on village land and its uses. This also includes prohibiting or minimizing land problems like bush fires as well as land use related conflicts between farmers and livestock keepers/pastoralists. 

g)      Water Resource Management Act No. 11 of 2009 and Water Supply and Sanitation Act No. 12 of 2009: The Water Resources Management Act (WRMA) provides the legal framework for the management of water resources within the integrated water resources management (IWRM) framework. The Act provides for pollution control and issues discharge permits of effluents to water bodies, including the underground strata. The Act also provides measures for flood mitigation and control to prevent or minimize the risk of flooding, flood damage and water pollution. The Water Supply and Sanitation Act likewise, provides for a legal framework to ensure water quality by protecting water works and storage facilities against pollution. The Act further gives mandate to the Local Government Authorities to enact by-laws in relation to water supply and sanitation for efficient and sustainable provision of these services in their areas. 

h)      Local Government (Urban Authorities) Act No. 8 of 1982: The Act assigns responsibility to Urban Authorities to take measures for conservation of natural resources, safeguard and promote public health. Urban authorities are further required to take measures for maintaining the area of their authority in clean and sanitary condition and for preventing the occurrence of or for remedying or causing to be remedied any nuisance or condition likely to be injurious or dangerous to health.

i) Sheria ya Afya ya Umma namba 1 ya 2009:  Sheria hii inatoa uendelezaji, uhifadhi na udumishaji wa afya ya umma  kwa lengo la kuhakikisha huduma za afya ya umma zinafanya kazi na endelevu  . Sheria pia inakataza utupaji kwenye mfereji wa maji machafu au kwenye mifereji ya maji ambayo inaweza kusababisha  utendakazi wa mifumo ya mifereji ya maji. 

j) Sheria ya Madini namba 14 ya mwaka 2010:  Sheria hiyo inatoa udhibiti wa utafutaji wa madini, uchimbaji, uchakataji na  uuzaji wa madini. Sheria inawataka wamiliki wote wa leseni za uchimbaji madini kuchukua  hatua zinazofaa kwa ajili ya ulinzi wa mazingira kwa mujibu wa Sheria ya Usimamizi wa Mazingira ikiwa ni pamoja na kufanya EIA katika shughuli za uchimbaji madini.

j) Sheria ya Madini namba 14 ya mwaka 2010:  Sheria hiyo inatoa udhibiti wa utafutaji wa madini, uchimbaji, uchakataji na  uuzaji wa madini. Sheria inawataka wamiliki wote wa leseni za uchimbaji madini kuchukua  hatua zinazofaa kwa ajili ya ulinzi wa mazingira kwa mujibu wa Sheria ya Usimamizi wa Mazingira ikiwa ni pamoja na kufanya EIA katika shughuli za uchimbaji madini.