LTA tasks nations sharing Lake Tanganyika to ensure its resources benefit 13m people who depend on it.

**DAR ES SALAAM: **THE Countries sharing Lake Tanganyika have been urged to strengthen implementation of agreed decisions and strategies to ensure the lake’s resources deliver greater economic and social benefits to more than 13 million people who depend on it.

The call was made by the Permanent Secretary in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Dr Richard Muyungi, during the opening of the 15th Lake Tanganyika Authority (LTA) Management Committee meeting in Dar es Salaam.

According to Dr Muyungi, the lake is a vital ecological and economic resource supporting fishing, transportation of people and goods, and biodiversity conservation across the four countries bordering it.

“I insist that decisions reached at this meeting should translate into practical action to strengthen the management of the lake and its resources,” he called.

Additionally, he identified climate change, unsustainable fishing practices and pollution in some areas as major challenges threatening the lake’s ecosystems and blue economy opportunities.

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Dr Muyungi urged member states to fulfil their obligations under the Lake Tanganyika Convention, including paying financial contributions on time and implementing decisions made at ministerial meetings, as well as approved work plans and budgets.

Lake Tanganyika Authority Management Committee Chairperson Richard Mfumu said the lake is an important shared resource because of its contribution to water supply, fisheries, biodiversity and economic activities in member countries.

LTA Executive Director Dr Emma Liwenga said the authority is exploring ways to address environmental challenges facing the lake, including pollution, climate change impacts and declining fish stocks.

She said the lake offers significant economic opportunities through fishing, tourism and transportation, stressing the need for sustainable management to protect its resources and support communities across the basin.

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