Access to Environmental Information in Tanzania

April 1999
by Deogratias William Ringia and Stephen J. Porter

INTRODUCTION

A Tanzanian citizen's right to obtain and impart information is enshrined in the constitution. Thus, by interpretation at least, the right of citizens to access environmental information is ensured. In practice, however, Tanzanians rarely enjoy this right. Despite the constitutional mandate, the government often has not informed the public and has at times even misled people about decisions and projects that could potentially degrade the environment, threaten livelihoods, and endanger health. When the public does learn of such acts through unofficial channels, inquiries often fall on deaf ears. As a result, the public is often unaware of the possible hazards or potential benefits of many government decisions and projects. Moreover, without effective access to environmental and other information, Tanzania's citizens are not involved in public policy-making processes to the extent necessary to achieve sustainable development.

This policy brief addresses the issues of access to environmental information in Tanzania from policy, legal, and practical perspectives. Tanzania's international commitments are also reviewed. A couple of case studies are presented to provide some context. The brief concludes with a set of recommendations that would help ensure citizen access of government-held environmental information in Tanzania.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Deogratias William Ringia holds an LL.B. from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He is a Staff Attorney for the Lawyers' Environmental Action Team. He is also a member of the Bar and a practicing Advocate of the High Court of Tanzania. Mr. Ringia has conducted extensive research in the field of environment and community-based natural resource management.

Stephen Porter is a Staff Attorney with the Center for International Environmental Law in Washington, D.C. He holds a J.D. from the Georgetown University Law Center and has researched and written on issues ranging from multilateral investment agreements to international legal responses to global warming. Mr. Porter has also edited a series of environmental law summaries of ten Asian countries.

LAWYERS' ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION TEAM

The Lawyers' Environmental Action Team is the first public interest environmental law organization in Tanzania. It was established in 1994 and formally registered in 1995 under the Societies Ordinance. Its mission is to ensure sound natural resource management and environmental protection in Tanzania. It is also involved in issues related to the establishment of an enabling policy environment for civil society, including civil liberties and human rights. LEAT carries out policy research, advocacy, and selected public interest litigation. Its membership largely includes lawyers concerned with environmental management and democratic governance in Tanzania.