What: Handover of the Patrol Boat to aid in Tackling Illegal Maritime Activities in Tanzania

When: Sunday, 21st April 2024

Where: Dar es Salaam Port

Who: UNDP, Government of Japan, Prime Minister’s Office, IRDP, Media

Dar es Salaam, 21st April 2024 - The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Japan proudly announce a milestone of a pivotal project aimed at combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and maritime activities in Tanzania. Implemented in collaboration with the Government of Tanzania through the Prime Minister’s Office and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the project titled "Tackling Illegal Maritime Activities: Supporting the establishment of an operational interagency maritime security coordination mechanism in Tanzania" has achieved significant milestones over its five-year duration.

The handover event, held on Sunday 21st April 2024, signifies a major achievement in enhancing maritime safety and security in Tanzanian waters. It also marks the official handover of essential assets and mechanisms to the Government of Tanzania, symbolizing the collective efforts tosafeguard Tanzania's maritime resources and promote sustainable development. This event underscores the commitment of all stakeholders to combat illegal maritime activities and foster prosperity for Tanzanian coastal communities.

“UNDP reaffirms its steadfast commitment to maintaining close collaboration with the Government of Tanzania to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, and vision for 2050 and propel forward the blue economy sector for the prosperity of all Tanzanians” Shigeki Komatsubara, UNDP Resident Representative in Tanzania

During the project’s duration, a robust coordinating mechanism has been established within the Government of Tanzania, facilitating a more effective response to illegal maritime activities. Furthermore, this endeavor has led to tangible improvements in the livelihoods of coastal communities in Bagamoyo, Pangani, and Mafia districts, empowering them with better access to resources and technology. Key achievements include the successful launch of the Framework for the National Coordination Mechanism, the delivery of essential assets such as speedboats accompanied by maintenance training, comprehensive capacity-building sessions benefiting over 250 small-scale fishermen, and the installation of fish drying racks, directly benefiting over 1,200+ artisan fishermen and women. These accomplishments underscore the commitment and dedication of all stakeholders involved in safeguarding Tanzania's maritime resources and promoting sustainable development along its coastline.

“Japan has been one of Tanzania's long-standing partners and is willing to further contribute to Tanzania's social and economic development. And as a neighbor across the Ocean and an important partner in the Indo-Pacific region, Japan is committed to continue its cooperation with Tanzania to ensure maritime safety and resource sustainability in this region.”—Yasushi Misawa, Ambassador of Japan to Tanzania

"I extend hearty congratulations to you for being the driving force behind the successful implementation of our annual plans, which has significantly expedited development. Rest assured, the Government will maintain unwavering support and cooperation with you, while also ensuring that the funds allocated for different projects are utilized according to the agreed-upon purposes by all stakeholders” Prime Minister, Hon. Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa

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For more information contact: Sawiche Wamunza, UNDP Communication and Partnership Analyst, sawiche.wamunza@undp.org

Maduhu Kisaka, Prime Minister’s Office, maduhu.kisaka@pmo.go.tz