TCC Commits 200 m/- to Protect Environment in Tobacco Growing Areas

Source from:  2006-06-07 09:33:43 By Guardian Reporter 06/08/2006

Tanzania Cigarette Company (TCC) said yesterday it has committed 200m/- into supporting the re-forestation drive in tobacco growing areas in the country. President and CEO of JT International, Pierre de Labouchere announced the commitment when he paid a brief courtesy call yesterday to the Minister of State, Vice President, Office Responsible for Environment, Prof Mark Mwandosya. JT International (JTI) is TCC's parent company. The company's commitment is aligned with measures recently announced by the government on environmental protection. ''TCC recognises its responsibility towards the environment and places a high priority on environmental protection'', said de Labouchere. He added that TCC already had in place a comprehensive environmental health and safety program that aims to minimise waste, cut emissions, conserve energy and avoid accidents at work places. The program is currently being developed in conjunction with other tobacco stakeholders in the country. Implementation is expected to begin during the current tobacco season. It is envisaged that the program will include planting over eight million trees in various tobacco growing areas in the country over the next four years. TCC has committed to invest TShs200 million annually towards the project. Expressing appreciation on behalf of the government for TCC's efforts with regard to environmental protection, Prof Mwandosya highlighted the critical role of the privatesector in working with the government to address this important challenge. He said the TCC example has come at a right time and deserves emulation from other business entities in the country. ''You have clearly indicated how committed you are in tackling the deforestation problem in the country, now that the government has launched a major environment recovery programme,'' he noted. Prof Mwandosya urged TCC to incorporate in their tree planting program some elements of education and awareness creation to the communities in tobacco growing zones saying they were vital in ensuring the project is sustainable. Privatised in 1995, TCC is one of the largest agro-based industries in Tanzania, providing direct employment to 670 Tanzanians and indirectly supports over 85,000 tobacco farmers and 2,500 distributors and retailers. The company is also one of the largest tax payers in the country, contributing about 5-6% of the domestic tax revenues. JT International is the majority owner of TCC (75%). Enditem