Tanzania government denies selling forests through carbon trading, outlines new regulatory framework

Tanzania's government has publicly denied claims that it sold or surrendered forests and natural resources through carbon trading agreements. Minister of State for Union and Environment, Hamad Yussuf Masauni, stated that the country is building a legal and institutional framework to regulate carbon markets, ensuring national ownership while generating economic benefits. The government has allocated funds for a carbon trading management system covering registration, monitoring, and compliance. The new system aims to improve transparency and accountability in carbon projects, ensuring Tanzania receives all due revenues. An inter-ministerial team is assessing opportunities to maximize national benefits while protecting environmental conservation and community interests. The government frames carbon trading as a climate finance mechanism that can contribute to economic growth and sustainable forest management. This clarification comes amid public confusion and opposition claims about foreign control of natural resources. The government urges reliance on official information as it develops a regulated carbon trading sector aligned with international climate financing standards.