Environmental Watch Association of Tanzania (EWAT) is a Non Government Organization with registration number 14637 according to the society’s ordinance of 1954 under Ministry of Home affairs. Its headquarter is found at Sokoine University of Agriculture-Solomon Mahlangu Campus in Morogoro.
It performs different activities in the university, national and global level specifically in Environmental matters by observing the social, economic, ecological, science and technological issues by basing on the National Environmental Policy of 1997 which identifies six (6) major problems, which require urgent attention, These are: loss of wildlife habitats and biodiversity, deforestation, land degradation, deterioration of aquatic systems, lack of accessible, good quality water and environmental pollution (SusDev , 2007).
EWAT follows the nation and International regulations, principles and Laws of Environment. According to Article 14 of the constitution of Tanzania and S. 4 of Tanzanian environmental management act of 2004 provides the right to life and to a clean, safe and healthy environment to every citizen of Tanzania. On the other hand it requires every citizen to protect the environment.
Despite EWAT being using the laws and principles of Tanzania, it tends to expand to International laws such as Principle No. 1 of the Stockholm convention links environmental protection to human right norms, it states “Man has the fundamental right to freedom, equality and adequate conditions of life in an environment of equality that permits a life of dignity and wellbeing.” The principle further imposes responsibilities on man to protect and improve the environment for the benefit of present and future generations
EWAT Motto: Science for Greener and Cleaner Environment.
Mission:
Working together in protection of our biodiversity for vulnerable communities and ecosystems to achieve sustainable development.
Vision:
Environmental sustainability for our biodiversity in Tanzania the planet earth at large.
EWAT aims to do the following tasks in the society:
a) Analysing the current extinction crisis of biodiversity and wildlife conservation in Tanzania.
b) Rescuing the Snow of Kilimanjaro Mountain and conserving the species and areas surrounding the Mountain.
c) Leading in tree planting programme and make the nation green and enjoyable place for attracting the tourists hence contribute to Tanzania Economy.
d) Exposing the society to the threat and effects of climate change on human, Infrastructures, Agriculture and various ecological issues.
e) Organizing different Workshops/Seminars on Environmental Issues in different areas in Tanzania.
f) Increasing information, Education and Awareness on Various Environmental aspects with respect to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which ensures Environmental Sustainability and Develop a Global Partnership for Development.
g) Fighting with HIV/AIDS at Primary, Secondary Schools, Institutional level and the whole society Tanzania regions.
h) Creating Employment to the youths within the organization as an effort of EWAT to reduce Unemployment in the nation.
i) Mainstreaming initiatives where environmental problems can be addressed while alleviating poverty. In collaborating with National Strategies for Growth and Poverty Reduction (NSGPR), the programme aims to make clear that; Priority is knowledge and a better understanding of the links between poverty and the environment, Environmental data is being integrated in poverty reduction and local planning to determine the impacts of policies and plans on related issues. Capacity must be built at national and local level to better address poverty and environmental issues in future interventions.
5.EWAT has succeeded to do the following:
i) To conduct the workshop about Mainstreaming environmental problems and initiatives that have been taken with respect to; National Strategies for Poverty Reduction and Economic growth, The National Development vision 2025 and the Millennium Development Goals that took place at Solomon Mahlangu–SUA on 04/04/2008 by collaborating with Faculty of Science.
ii) To Present papers about Environmental issues during Mwl. Nyerere day of memorial on 14/10/2007 at Solomon Mahlangu Campus-SUA by collaborating with Faculty of Science.
iii) Tree planting programme under high support of faculty of Science in January 2008.
iv) To distribute the education to the students and Staff members at Sokoine University of Agriculture on the effects of Climate Change in the world
ADMINISTRATION
EWAT has a management system for looking daily activities performed by the organization. According to Constitution, the system of leadership in EWAT is made up by Executive Committee, Public Relation Officer and leaders of Departments. Executive includes Chairperson, Vice chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer. Each department is headed by Chairperson, Secretary and other 4 extra members.
EWAT has Six Departments:
i) Advisory and disciplinary Department
ii) Social Affair Department
iii) Academic and Consultancy Department
iv) Academic and Consultancy Department
v) Project planning Department
vi) HIV/AIDS Intervention Bureau Department
RESCUE THE SNOW OF KILIMANJARO MOUNTAIN
It is one of the main objectives of EWAT through JOIN HAND PROGRAMME. It is obvious the snow of Kilimanjaro is decreasing tremendously at the top due the global warming which is caused by greenhouse gases from mainly anthropogenic activities and hence special agency is required to serve the Mountain and maintain its naturality. It is proved that by 2040 year the glacier will reach critical point of depreciation. It is through this situation in which EWAT has decided to start the programme of conserving the whole Environment of Kilimanjaro Mountain.