Climate Change Consequences on Socio-economic Development in Tanzania - Foundation Office Tanzania
Event Reports
The event was opened by Salum Olotu, Chief Director of CETA, and Richard Shaba, Programme-Coordinator of KAS Tanzania. Both stressed in their speeches the necessary inclusion and education of the youth about the issue of climate change. The participation of the politicians from the VPO (environment) and the Embassy shows how serious the issue is taken today. After the introduction Finias Magessa, an expert for climate change, presented the book which is based on the results of an event organised by CETA and KAS in November 2011.
The official launch was performed by Dr. Hans Koeppel and Ngosi Mwihava. Dr. Koeppel praised the long lasting cooperation between CETA and KAS Tanzania in the field of political education. The political awareness of the population was a key element of democracy and a crucial factor for the country’s development. The issue of climate change concerned everybody and to involve the educational institutions was – in the eyes of national and international experts – an important approach to force the consequences of climate change. He asked the students to take this topic serious. Especially the young generation would have to face the challenges which arise from the consequences of climate change in the areas of agriculture, food safety, supply of energy and water and development of cities. Dr. Koeppel praised the successful choice of the venue – a small circle in the shadows of an old tree. This tree, the representative of the Embassy said, was a symbol for the African culture of discussing, listening and decision making. At the same time it was a great signal against deforestation of the forests in Tanzania.
After that Mister Mwihava underlined the important role of the youth in fighting deforestation and the consequences of climate change. He advocated the development of a culture which preserves the climate – to start with the youth. Informed citizens – especially the students – who could be important ambassadors in relevant topic could account for an elimination of the factors which imperil the climate. There must be a change in mind to control these factors. After the formal part of the presentation the representative of VPO opened the package with the books. Afterwards it was the duty of the guests of honour Dr. Koeppel and Mister Mwihava to distribute the book to the students and other participants.
“Using the book in our class rooms” was the title of the following discussion about climate change and political education. The teachers and students were invited by CETA to develop some ideas for an effective use of the book. The expert Finias Magessa supported them. To facilitate this process Erasto Ndeuka, Project Officer of KAS Tanzania, gave a short summary of the speeches before and collected comments and ideas from the plenum. It came to a lively discussion and the participants provided some important contributions.
Mister Magessa and Richard Shaba summarized these ideas, before Salum Olotu and Erasto Ndeuka gave a prospect for the future cooperation of the both organisations in the field of climate change and its prevention.
