International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE) Outreach Programme: The Zanzibar Seminar on the Conservation of Masigini Water Catchment Area held on 27 th February 2010 by Gordian J. Mukiza UNESCO National Commission Background The International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE) was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly at its 60 th Session through resolution 60/192. The IYPE was a threeyear event, from 2007 to 2009; however in Tanzania its activities are being implemented for five years (2007-2011). The IYPE aims at promoting a culture of sustainable life on Planet Earth by reducing risks for society caused by natural and man-induced hazards; reduction of health problems by understanding the medical aspects of Earth Sciences; discovering new natural resources and making them available in a sustainable manner; building safer structures and expanding urban areas by utilizing natural surface conditions; determining the non-human factor in climate change; enhancing understanding of the occurrence of natural resources in order to contribute to efforts to reduce political tensions; determining deep and poorly accessible water resources; improving the understanding of the evolution of life; increasing interest in the Earth Sciences in society; and encouraging more young people to study Earth Sciences. This can be achieved by making good use of currently available resources and existing knowledge generated by Geoscientists. If this knowledge is made available to policy and decision makers and the general public it could contribute to sustainable life and development by society thus making the earth a safer, healthier and wealthier place to live in. If well implemented the IYPE has the potential of making a significant contribution to the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD) for which UNESCO is the lead agency. The IYPE intends to implement two Sub Programmes; the Science Sub-Programme which involves undertaking research in ten thematic areas related to issues of Planet Earth and an Outreach Sub Programme intended to create awareness among the public on issues of Planet Earth to enable them gain knowledge and understanding on critical issues affecting the Planet 69
and how they can contribute towards solving these problems. The Zanzibar Masigini Seminar was organized as part of activities of the Outreach Sub Programme. The Zanzibar Masigini Seminar The Zanzibar Seminar on Masigini Water Catchment Area intended to mobilize people at the grassroots level to become aware of how their daily activities affect the availability of water in the area. The target group was grassroots leaders mainly the Ward Executive Officers of Mjini Magharibi District in Zanzibar. The objective of the seminar was to sensitive these leaders on the importance of environmental conservation focusing on the risks of deforestation in Masigini as a result of indiscriminate use of forest resources around the catchment area. The Seminar was officially opened by the Deputy Minister of Water, Works and Energy who expressed his hope that the seminar will have a multiplier effect and will be used for mobilizing people in the area on issues of environmental conservation in order to protect the main water source in Zanzibar. The Seminar was organized in a form of panel discussion. Two paper presentations were made to stimulate discussions. The first presentation was delivered by Ms. Miza Sulemani Khamis, a Forestry Expert in the Department of Forestry in Zanzibar. Her presentation focused on the importance of conserving Masigini Forest for the socioeconomic benefit of the people in Zanzibar. She pointed out that without the catchment area of Masigini, fresh water availability in Zanzibar Municipality will always be a problem. The Second presentation was delivered by Mr. Said Saleh Suleiman, a Water Engineer from the Zanzibar Water Authority (ZAWA). Mr. Suleiman s paper was on the importance of conserving Masigini water catchment area. He emphasized the need to sensitize the Masigini Water Catchment Area inhabitants to safeguard the water catchment. During the discussions several challenges facing the Masigini Water Catchment Area were identified including the following two challenges; the unplanned building construction in Masigini forest, and deforestation in Masigini water catchment area. The seminar participants unanimously agreed on the importance of observing the standing by-laws on environmental Conservation so as to conserve the Masigini Water Catchment Area for the socioeconomic development of Mjini Magharibi District. The seminar made several recommendations but mainly the need to continue sensitizing the people of the area to conserve the environment so that they can be part of the solution to the challenges facing the catchment area. IYPE Sub Regional Training of Trainers Workshop for Teachers in Sub Saharan Africa 24-26 March 2010, Beachcomber Hotel, Dar es Salaam Introduction The International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE) Sub- Regional Training of Trainers Workshop for Teachers from Sub-Saharan Africa was held from 24-26 March 2010 at Beachcomber Hotel, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The objectives of the workshop were to sensitize teachers on issues related to protection of Planet Earth and to impart them with knowledge on earth sciences and sustainable use of resources to the end that Planet Earth is a safer, healthier and wealthier place to live in. 71
TTB The three days workshop was organized by the Tanzania National Commission for UNESCO in collaboration with the National IYPE Committee. It was sponsored by UNESCO under the Participation Programme and the Government of Tanzania. The workshop was attended by Secondary School Teachers from Kenya, Malawi, Seychelles, Uganda, Zambia and hosts Tanzania. The workshop was also attended by the Chairman of the IYPE National Committee Prof. Abdul Mruma, Chief Executive Officer Tanzania Geological Survey and Prof. William Rugumamu, Deputy Chairman of the IYPE National Committee. The facilitators were from the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, University of Dar es Salaam, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania Institute of Education, and Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre. The meeting was officially opened by Hon. Prof. Jumanne Maghembe (MP), Minister for Education and Vocational Training. The welcoming remarks were delivered by Prof. Kiondo, the Secretary General of UNESCO National Commission of Tanzania. In her remarks she welcomed the participants who were Secondary School Teachers from Kenya, Malawi, Seychelles, Uganda, Zambia and hosts Tanzania for finding time to participate in the workshop. She informed that the workshop has been organized by the National Commission for UNESCO in collaboration with the Tanzania IYPE National Committee and has been financed by UNESCO and the Government of Tanzania. She further informed that, the workshop is the second activity of the National IYPE Outreach sub-programme which will deal with four out of the ten IYPE themes namely: Climate change, Earth and Life, Earth and Health, Water Resources Management and Geo-hazards and Disaster Management. The first activity was a public seminar for local government in Zanzibar. The opening session was officiated by Hon. Jumanne Maghembe, Minister for Education and Vocational Training. Prof. Maghembe expressed his gratitude to UNESCO for financing the workshop and the National Commission for UNESCO and the IYPE National Committee for organizing it. He 73
underscored the centrality of the Planet Earth in sustainable development and hence the need to protect it. He was optimistic that by the time the participants finish the training they will be closer to the environment than they were before. He reminded the participants of the role Tanzania has played in the process that has resulted in the proclamation of International Year of Planet Earth and that this workshop has been organized as one of the strategies of Tanzania to implement the outreach sub programme of the national plan. He also cited examples of the devastating impacts of geo and natural hazards in the form of massive earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, landslides, volcanoes caused by geological processes and climate change. He called for all stakeholders to be sensitized on the importance of conserving Planet Earth. After presentation of all papers, countries participated in that training made brief presentation about the state of earth sciences inclusion in respective country curriculum. Seychelles The county has accommodated topics of water, the habitat and interdependence, human reproduction and sexual transmitted diseases across the curriculum. The curriculum put more emphasis on extra curricular activities which include the planting, study visit, study on food Security, field data collection on nature (Natural Species), carrying on science fairs and competition, dramatization on control of climate change. These topics are thought at grade two for lower secondary level. Uganda Uganda has accommodated topics on weather and climate, Study of rivers, the planet earth, natural environment, water resources, and pollution in some carrier subjects namely Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Geography. Zambia The Country has incorporated Earth Science issues in Geography, Biology, the main issues are biodiversity conservation, pollution, hazards their causes and control, impacts of human activities and control. Kenya Kenya has stated clearly the objectives which aim at promoting environmental conservation. The topics are disasters cyclones, volcanic eruptions, climate change, water resource management. The carrier subjects are Agriculture, Biology, Home Science, Mathematics, and Geography. The country s curriculum emphasizes on changing pupils attitudes towards contributing to efforts of making the earth a safer place to live. Malawi Malawi has incorporated earth science topics into Science, Geography, Biology, Chemistry and Socio and Development Studies. They incorporated topics include weather and climate, diseases, natural resources, genetics and evolution, population dynamics and disasters. The country s curriculum is on sustainable development. Tanzania The country s curriculum is competence based and earth sciences issues have been adequately accommodated across levels that are from Form I-IV in all subjects. These issues clearly surface in Geography, Chemistry, Biology and Civics and include natural resources use, hazards, weather and climate, the earth and activities and its dynamics, population and human activities and environmental conservation. The curriculum does emphasize on sustainable and equitable use of resources. It links smoothly with the advanced level studies, Zanzibar emphasizes on reasoning skills and hands on activities. The participants from six countries came up with the following recommendation; Initiate communication among government in the Sub-Saharan region; 75
Increase funding for IYPE programmes; Establish/strengthen a network of national and international contacts as information, advice and ideas on the variety of environmental issues in sub Saharan countries; UNESCO National Commissions in collaboration with the Ministries of Education of different countries should take the responsibility of cocoordinating IYPE activities in their particular countries; UNESCO National Commission of Tanzania to support other UNESCO National Commissions in the region to form IYPE National Committees. The Way Forward Participants should submit workshop report to relevant institutions including Ministries of Education and of Environment and UNESCO National Commissions for further action. UNESCO National Commission of Tanzania to share workshop proceedings with relevant institution in other countries. Ensure that UNESCO National Commission of Tanzania gets feedback from the six countries focal person/ institutions. Share workshop issues with colleague at work places and develop plans for actions. Closure of the Session The closing session of the IYPE training of Training of Trainers Workshop for Teachers from Sub- Saharan Africa officiated by Prof. Abdul Mruma, Chairperson of the Tanzania IYPE National Committee. In his closing remarks Prof. Mruma appreciated the participant s concluding statements believed that the participants and resource persons had a lot to share. He called on the participants to be proactive and not to make excuses for not implementing what they believe in. Concerning integration of Earth Sciences into the school curriculum Prof. Mruma urged the participants to integrate Earth Sciences into their lives. He called on the participants to take networking seriously so that all are aware about what the other colleagues are doing. IYPE RESEARCH THEMES Groundwater Reservoir for a thirsty planet? Hazards Minimizing risk, maximizing awareness Earth & Health Building a safer environment Climate The stone tape Resources Sustainable power for sustainable development Megacities Going deeper, building safer Deep Earth From crust to core Ocean Abyss of time Soils Earth s living skin Earth & Life Origins of diversity 77
Opening Speech of Hon. Prof. Jumanne Maghembe, Minister of Education and Vocational Training at IYPE Training Workshop for Teachers in Sub Saharan Africa, 24 th 26 th March 2010 Beachcomber Hotel, Dar es Salaam Executive Secretary, UNESCO National Commission, Prof. Elizabeth Kiondo, Chairperson of the National Committee of the IYPE, Prof. Abdul Mruma, Resource Persons, Facilitators and Coordinators, Distinguished participants from Seychelles, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Uganda and Tanzania, Invited Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, I feel greatly honoured and privileged to address this training workshop for teachers in sub Saharan Africa. First and foremost, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome to Tanzania the participants from Seychelles, Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, and Uganda. KARIBUNI SANA to the Land of the Kilimanjaro, Serengeti and beautiful Zanzibar Islands. I am grateful, that, despite your busy work schedules, you have found time to participate in this training workshop. It is no doubt that your physical presence here at this workshop is a clear testimony of your commitment. Let me first express my gratitude to UNESCO for financing this training workshop and the UNESCO National Commission and the National Committee for the International Year of Planet Earth for jointly organising and hosting this event. May I also thank the previous Speakers who have addressed this gathering before me for their excellent remarks which have reiterated the centrality of Earth Science for Sustainable Development in general and their particular contribution to making the Planet Earth a Healthier, Wealthier and Safer place to live in. This will only be possible if all of us embrace the principles of environment management and sustainable use of earth resources which we interact with daily in our lives. You will recall that the United Republic of Tanzania played a prominent role in spearheading the process that led the 60 th Session of the United Nations General Assembly to declare the year 2008 as the International Year of Planet Earth. My country prescribes fully to the International Year of Planet Earth programme whose object is to demonstrate the great potential of the Earth Sciences for Sustainable Socio Economic Development. In order to realise the objectives of the International Year of Planet Earth, the government formed a National Committee to coordinate the implementation of the IYPE Programme. The National Committee has developed a three year National Programme for the implementation of the IYPE. The National Programme has two components one of them is the Outreach Programme which among other activities is to sensitize Teachers, Journalists, Policy makers and Politicians and the Public on issues of Earth Sciences. I understand that this workshop has been organized as one of the strategy to implement the outreach sub programme the National Plan to ensure that the IYPE National Programme is continuously being implemented. The Outreach programme activities are directed at giving an opportunity to the various target groups to deliberate on various questions related to our Planet Earth, including the dynamics of Earth s ecological system, geo-hazards and natural disasters and how to deal with them. Issues related to Climate Change and sustainable use and management of Earth resources. All these are issues that continue to challenge the world community and therefore they are high in national and international agenda. Currently we are all witnessing the devastating impacts of geo and natural disasters in the form of massive earth quakes in Haiti, enormous floods such as those resulting from Hurricane Katrina in the United States, Tsunami in the Indian Oceans, current landslides in Tanzania and Uganda and volcanoes in various parts of the world including that of Oldonyo Lengai in Arusha Tanzania. Some of these disasters are direct results of climate change which has also led to floods and in some parts severe droughts. On the hand sustainable use of earth resources is of critical importance to the survival of life 79
TTB Javed Jaffergi on Planet Earth especially when it comes to the most precious resource which is critical for life Water. The public need to be sensitized on how to conserve and manage sources of water and how to sustainably use water resources this includes sustainable use of forest resources including trees. This calls us to deep understand issues of Earth and Life and Earth and Health because indiscriminate use of earth resources lead to air and water pollution which can severely affect our health and lead to diseases which drains national finances in terms of provision of health care services. Given the issues that the world community confront as related to Planet Earth it is therefore imperative that one of the objectives of this three day training workshop is to sensitize teachers on issues related to protection of Planet Earth and impart them with knowledge on various issues that will contribute to a better understanding on the issues that endanger our Planet Earth and therefore use that knowledge to sensitize students and communities to work together to make our Planet a Safer, Healthier and Wealthier place to live in. I believe that this training will give teachers who are participating an opportunity not only to learn about Planet Earth issues but also to revisit secondary school curricular of countries in our sub region and make a review of to what extent these critical issues are integrated into our school curricular. We all know that information is a crucial resource; as such it has tremendous influence in our daily lives. I therefore sincerely expect that in this training you will be able to share experiences and exchange views and ideas and in the process build a solid foundation towards understanding our Planet Earth. While classroom teaching and learning is important to impart knowledge to students, raising awareness among the general public is also very crucial because the people who engage in destructive activities to the environment are the ones who are affected by their own actions. I therefore challenge all participants to lay down concrete strategies to the promote greater awareness not only among students but also to the communities around your schools by ensuring that information and knowledge generated from this training trickle down to the grassroots level. In this way we hope our students and their parents would be able to jointly and actively participate in protecting Planet Earth. This will therefore demonstrate the role schools, communities and society at large should play in order to safe guard our planet Earth with the ultimate goal of building a safe, healthier and sustainable living environment. The task ahead of teachers is to ensure that classroom teaching and learning is also directed at stimulating students interest in Science subjects in general and Earth Sciences in particular so that Africa can have an adequate pool of Scientists and Earth Scientists to spearhead Africa s socio economic development. Finally, I would like to thank you personally, Mr. Chairman and the organizers for according me the privilege and honour to address this training workshop. With these few remarks I now declare this IYPE Training Workshop for Teachers in Sub Saharan Africa officially opened. I thank you for your attention. 81