Below is an article published by allAfrica:

Different studies conducted by foreign and local experts like the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) indicate that the archipelago is under threat of reckless increasing human development and climate change, warning that some visible harms should be a wake-up call to both the authorities and the residents, to take prompt action.

First Vice President of Zanzibar Mr Seif Sharif Hamad officiated at the launch of the taskforce to lead the campaign in protecting the environment, initiating various programmes like planting trees and having control over sand digging and breaking of rocks for construction. "It is beyond doubt that we are at risk, should we ignore environmental protection and preservation measures.

We must take action now, and the creation of task force should have full backing of all people in the Islands," said the Vice president most famous as Maalim Seif. He adds, "let us stop felling trees, and instead everyone plant them.

Unauthorized sand digging and stones quarries for gravel should stop. In addition to making sure that laws are observed, awareness remains important so that each person feels that he/she has a crucial part to play."

Mr Seif emphasized that while mitigation and adaptations measures are important in response to climate change, human being activities can be controlled through proper planning in using natural resources.

"The task force is intended to intensify the protection of forest, and protect threatened areas," the first Vice president said that the task force is mandated to take the lead in the campaign and ensure the implementation or the enforcement environmental laws.

Launch of the task force was witnessed by the Minister of state (environment) Ms Fatma Abdulhabib Fereji; Principal Secretary (PS)- First Vice President's office Dr Omar Shajak; Commissioner of Police (CP)- Zanzibar; Directors: Zanzibar Water Authority (ZAWA); Department of environment; Department of Forests and non renewable resources; General Manager- Zanzibar Electricity Company (ZECO), and Journalists. Ms Fatma said "there is Urgent Need for National Environmental Task Force.

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