Functioning of the regulatory framework on marine pollution from land-based sources in Tanzania
Functioning of the Regulatory Framework on Marine Pollution from Land-based Sources in Tanzania:
Land-based marine pollution is a critical 21st-century challenge in Tanzania, where 90% of industrial and domestic wastewater is discharged untreated, threatening biodiversity and public health. Tanzania is party to international treaties that force the state to combat this pollution. Despite these progressive treaties, like UNCLOS and the Nairobi Convention and the progressive laws we still observe some flaws that affect the effectiveness of the regulatory framework. Barriers include restrictive locus standi, government immunity, limited legal aid, NGO reluctance, weak enforcement, and insufficient judicial expertise.
The study proposes various reforms, like expanding public interest litigation, removing government immunity, improving legal aid, engaging NGOs, training judges, establishing specialised tribunals, and strengthening enforcement. These changes would enhance compliance with global agreements and advance sustainable marine governance in Tanzania and beyond.