On 11 June 2026, in Dar es Salaam, UNESCO Country Representative welcomed H.E. Juraj Blanár, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, to the UNESCO Dar es Salaam Office. The visit highlighted the growing commitment of both Slovakia and Tanzania to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the management and conservation of the East Usambara UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve.
The meeting was attended by Officials from Tanzania Government led by the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for UNESCO of the United Republic of Tanzania Prof. Hamis Malebo.
In his welcoming remarks UNESCO Country Representative highlighted existing opportunities for initiatives and strategic partnerships to support biosphere reserves in Tanzania. He also highlighted the ongoing collaborative study between Polana in Slovakia biosphere reserve and Easter Usambara biosphere reserve in Tanzania.
This visit provided a valuable platform for knowledge exchange on biodiversity conservation and sustainable landscape management, bringing together shared experiences from both regions. It reinforced the importance of international partnerships in addressing environmental challenges while promoting community-based approaches to the stewardship of biosphere reserves.
I recognize the important role of the UNESCO Dar es Salaam Office in supporting Tanzania’s development priorities, and the Republic of Slovakia stands ready to cooperate in areas of mutual interest and shared global responsibility.
H. E Juraj BlanarSlovakia Minister of Foreign and European Affairs
UNESCO Country Representative, Mr. Michel Toto, insisted on the importance of collaboration among key stakeholders involved in biosphere reserves management.
Addressing today’s environmental challenges requires international cooperation, scientific innovation, and partnerships that translate knowledge into meaningful impact on the ground, this is exactly what brings us here today.
Mr. Michel TotoUNESCO Country Representative to Tanzania
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the shared commitment for strengthening partnerships and working together in biosphere reserves management in Tanzania.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/tanzania-slovakia-dialogue-strengthening-biosphere-reserves-cooperation?hub=701
