Arusha - Green Customs Initiative

Mrs Apollo revealed that the main challenge ahead as to strengthen synergy among the
relevant MEAs and hence maximize resource use in an attempt to achieve environmental
sustainability. She advised that this will require sustained and joint efforts to make this goal a
reality. She said that the Green Customs Initiative is an important step towards this direction
but there is a need to widen the spectrum of stakeholders and translating the initiative into a
national context. She also noted that from the workshop discussions, it was evident that the
level of awareness by the key stakeholders and the general public on MEAs in the sub-region
is generally low. In this regard, she stressed the role of awareness creation in addressing the
challenges in implementing MEAs in the sub-region, particularly illegal trade should not be
undermined. She revealed that initially when the Division of Environment (Vice President’s
Office) organized the seminar and invited Customs to participate she had thought of sending
junior staff because of the notion that Customs Officers are revenue collectors and have
nothing to do with the environment. However, after attending the workshop and having gone
through the trade-related MEAs she has come to appreciate the role of Customs Officers in the
whole chain.
She informed the delegates that they will visit the Ngorongoro Crater in Arusha, one of the
world heritage sites, however, she pointed out that the tour should remind ourselves of the
challenges in combating environmental crime which can frustrate social, economic and
environmental values in our endeavours for environmental conservation. She conclude her
closing remarks by thanking UNEP for making it possible for us to organize this very
important workshop and the management and the media for their coverage and expressed her
anticipation for more coverage in environmental issues.
AGENDA FOR THE WORKSHOP
C. MONDAY 14 NOVEMBER 2005
8.00 – 9.00 REGISTRATION OF PARTICIPANTS
OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE WORKSHOP
Chairman: Director of Environment
Welcome address by chairman
Statement by Representative of UNEP
Statement by Representative of WCO
Statement by Representative of CWC
Statement by Representative of DJO- USA
Official Opening Statement by the Guest of Honour
9.00 – 10.00
GROUP PHOTOGRAPH
Introductions
Objectives and Mechanics of the Workshop by DEC
10.00 – 10.30 TEA / COFFEE BREAK
10:30 – 11.00
D. INTRODUCTION TO THE GREEN CUSTOMS INITIATIVE BY DTIE
• Introduction to the Initiative
• Objectives
• Discussion
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