Plastic pollution has seeped into the soil beneath our feet, the oceans that surround us, and even the air we breathe, reaching places far beyond human presence and finding its way into our bodies in the form of microplastics. This year, as the world marks World Environment Day 2025, Nipe Fagio renews its call for systemic change, grounded in data, driven by policy advocacy, and activated through community action. This year’s theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution”, couldn’t be more timely. Just two months before the next round of negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty, the urgency is clear. In the words of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, “Plastic pollution is choking our planet. Yet there is a movement for urgent change. In two months, countries will come together to hammer out a new global treaty to end plastic pollution. I urge negotiators to return to talks in August, determined to build a common path through their differences and deliver the treaty our world needs.” Throughout June, we stood alongside fellow change makers to honour World Environment Day 2025 across Tanzania. Our commitment to systemic transformation was reflected in every conversation, cleanup, and community engagement we led or joined.
Together with AIESEC in the University of Dar es Salaam, World’s Largest Youth-led Organisation, the Association of Geographers and Environmental Managers at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM)- AGEM, Tanzania Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action Initiative (TESCAI), we co-organised a Youth Symposium at the University of Dar es Salaam, engaging passionate youth leaders, students, and environmental stakeholders in conversations around plastic governance, youth-led innovation, and the upcoming Global Treaty. Later, at the Mbongo Land beach cleanup, we collected over 569.8 kg of waste, transforming awareness into real-world impact.
We participated in the National Commemoration in Dodoma held at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre. We joined national stakeholders led by H.E. Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango. His message echoed our mission calling for sustainable waste systems, afforestation, and adoption of clean cooking energy. Our participation reinforced the need for evidence-backed advocacy and community-first interventions in government frameworks.
On June 3rd, at the Youth Green Summit led by the VPO, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa launched Tanzania’s National Waste Management Strategy 2025–2030, a document we actively contributed to. The summit, under the theme “Building Green Solutions for Tomorrow & Ending Plastic Dependency Today,” amplified the urgency of zero waste implementation. Our very own Tajaeli Masaki presented milestone achievements from our Zero Waste programs, highlighting our contribution to both local resilience and global accountability.
In partnership with PASS Trust, PASS Leasing, and TESCAI, we celebrated World Environment Day by participating in the Kidimbwi Beach Cleanup. Every participant received a reusable water bottle, a reminder that daily choices shape the future, donated by PASS Trust.
On 7th June 2025, with Human Dignity and Environment Care Foundation (HUDEFO), Vice President’s Office (VPO), UNEP, and Catholic Relief Services (CRS), we joined in a multi-stakeholder event that started with a symbolic walk and clean-up. Most notably, the day featured the launch of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Report and the National Waste Strategy, key tools for driving upstream accountability and systemic plastic reduction. These documents align directly with our data-policy-action model and are pivotal to our ongoing work in influencing national and regional policy.
In Temeke, alongside partners like the European Union, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Forum CC, Mazingira Plus and Tanzania Cleanup and Conservation Initiative (TCCI), we supported efforts under the theme: “Say NO to single-use plastics, protect your health, keep the environment clean.” Through waste audits and community engagement, we continue to advocate for legislation that bans single-use plastics and promotes circular economy alternatives.
We participated in a dialogue themed “Plastic Waste Management” hosted by Ilala Municipality. The district’s leadership recognized our work in Zero Waste education, policy advocacy, and reduction of single-use plastics. We presented our urban interventions and evidence-based advocacy efforts showcasing our data-driven models as scalable solutions.
Our Youth Ambassadors (YA’s) took part in a vibrant bonanza combining sports, blood donation, and environmental education. Hosted by the Dar es Salaam City Council, the event used sport to drive environmental messaging, making sustainability tangible and relatable to all.
We actively participated in the regional peak celebration of World Environment Day 2025 held at Makuburi Primary School grounds, organised by the Ubungo Municipal Council in Dar es Salaam. This year’s theme, “Our Environment and the Future of Tanzania – Act Now; Control Plastic Use,” was a powerful call to action for all. The Guest of Honour, Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Hon. Albert Chalamila, was represented by Ubungo District Commissioner, Hon. Albert Msando. He emphasised the importance of adopting clean cooking energy solutions to preserve our environment and safeguard public health.
Our Simu2000 Composting Facility, located in Ubungo and dedicated to processing organic waste from the Simu2000 market, stood out as a key showcase of systemic change. The facility captures accurate data on waste types and quantities generated at the market, offering evidence of the positive impact of composting versus landfill disposal, such as reduced methane and carbon emissions.
This facility is a true embodiment of Tanzania’s Zero Waste policy in action. It promotes progressive waste management policies, transforms organic market waste into natural compost that supports farmers and urban gardens, and generates green jobs. Most importantly, it raises community awareness about sustainable waste practices, proving that systemic change is both possible and practical when led by data, policy, and community action.
Our collective cleanup efforts across multiple locations demonstrated the power of collaboration, data-driven action, and youth-led engagement. Across all World Environment Day 2025 cleanup activities, we engaged a total of 981 Participants, collecting 835 waste Bags weighing 10,553.8 kg. This impact reflects more than just numbers; it shows the potential of coordinated grassroots action backed by a clear vision for systemic environmental change.
This June, we showed up strong! From Dodoma to Dar, from coastlines to classrooms, we activated data, policy and action to amplify environmental awareness and community-driven solutions. This year’s World Environment Day reminded us that plastic pollution isn’t just a waste issue; it’s a systems issue.
As we look ahead to the next round of Global Plastic Treaty negotiations, we carry with us the stories, data, and partnerships forged through every symposium, cleanup, and strategy session. We remain committed to pushing for policies that shift responsibility upstream, empower communities, and ensure that no one is left behind. Because ending plastic pollution isn’t about cleaning up after a broken system, It’s about building one that doesn’t pollute in the first place.
