The inaugural Lake Victoria Day celebrations will be held in Mwanza City, in the United Republic of Tanzania from 25th– 29th November.
Preliminary events will also be held in other Lake Region provinces of Geita, Kagera, Simiyu and Mara.
During the planning meeting with Regional Commissioners of the Lake Region from the United Republic of Tanzania in Mwanza on 14th June, a resolution on the formation of regional organizing committee of the event was also made.
The meeting also resolved the formation of zonal committees by the respective Regional Commissioners.
Regional Administrative Secretaries from various provinces will serve as the technical arm of the committee.
The meeting which was chaired by Mwanza Regional Commissioner Hon Said Mohammed Mtanda, was also attended by other regional commissioners including Hon Martine Shigera (Geita) Hon Anamringi Macha (Shinyanga) and Hon Col Evans Alfred (Mara).
Kagera and Simiyu Regional Commissioners also sent their representatives.
Hon Mtanda said, “Lake Victoria is not only important to as a region but also as a country. The fishing sector contributes 1.7% of the Country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 10% of National export”.
Executive Secretary Dr Masinde Bwire.
Lake Victoria Basin Commission’s Executive Secretary Dr Masinde Bwire also highlighted the importance of conserving Lake Victoria, the second largest freshwater lake in the world.
Dr Bwire said, “There is need to conserve the Lake from pollution considering its importance in promoting the livelihood of millions of people living within the larger Lake Victoria Basin”.
The 22nd Sectoral Council of Ministers on Lake Victoria Basin meeting in Kisumu in February this year approved the celebration.
The theme for the inaugural celebration is “Revive and Thrive: Uniting for Lake Victoria’s Future”
The theme encapsulates a sense of rejuvenation and collective effort, emphasizing the importance of working together to ensure the sustainability and prosperity of the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB).
Among the activities planned for the event include cleanup activities, scientific conference, Eco tourism activities, Exhibitions and stakeholder’s dialogue.
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