Makamba launches ‘environment preservation race’

 

IN its efforts to preserve environment by reducing felling of trees for charcoal, the government has launched what has been called ‘National Alternative Cooking Energy,’ with a campaign competition that will see an overall winner pocketing 300m/-.

It was learnt that the major objective of the campaign is to recognise, develop and award innovators and entrepreneurs who are promoting the use, production and distribution of sustainable cooking energy. 

 

Speaking during an official launch of the campaign, the Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Mr January Makamba, challenged all stakeholders in the environmental sector including, individuals, innovators, private companies, entrepreneurs, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), higher learning institutions and research institutions, among others, to participate in the competition.

He said the top three winners will be feted with awards, trained on business and environmental skill, recognised for their innovation and equally be introduced to big investors locally and internationally.

Mr Makamba said the first winner will go home with a golden handshake of 300m/-, the second 200m/- and the third 100m/- respectively. “Our expectation is that their innovation(s) will provide alternative cooking energy as one of the country’s achievements in reduction of biomass energy demands,’’ he said.

Those wishing to participate in the competition will be required to obtain application forms from the Vice- President’s Office in Dar es Salaam or download it via website (www.vpo.go.tz) between December 15, 2016 and January 31, 2017, the minister pointed out, adding that the winners will be awarded in June next year.

Mr Makamba said that the applicants will also be required to present to his office proposals of their envisaged innovations that shall answer six key questions on scale, sustainability, commercial viability, social and environmental impact, accessibility to all and cost effectiveness.