The Natural Sciences Sector contributes to UNESCO’s mission by using science to build peace,to eradicate poverty and to promote sustainable development. Natural Science is aiming at forging a culture of peace by fostering the generation and exchange of knowledge, including scientific knowledge, through cooperation, capacity building and technical assistance to its stakeholders country wide. It works to create the conditions for genuine dialogue between civilizations, cultures and peoples based upon mutual respect and respect for shared values.
In the field of the sciences, the overarching objective is mobilizing scientific knowledge and policy for sustainable development with the following two strategic programme objectives:
- Strengthening science, technology and innovation (STI) systems and policies for sustainable development, poverty eradication and a culture of peace and non-violence;
- Mobilizing science for the sustainable use of natural resources, renewable energy and energy efficiency, and for natural disaster reduction and mitigation.
In Tanzania Natural Science of the National Commission of UNESCO is leveraging scientific knowledge for the benefit of the environment and the management of natural resources and also fostering policies and capacity-building in science, technology and innovation. The section uses scientific knowledge and application in contributing to disaster preparedness and mitigation.
Natural Science activities include:
- Promoting STI policies and access to knowledge through building capacities in the basic sciences and mobilizing broad-based participation in STI
- UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC): strengthening, improving governance and fostering cooperation to manage and protect oceans and coastal zones for the benefit of Tanzanians and its neighbours;
- Freshwater systems under stress and societal responses, incorporating the work of the International Hydrological Programme (IHP)
- Enabling the application of ecological and earth science for sustainability, including through the Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB)
- Natural disaster risk reduction and mitigation.
- Education for sustainable developments programmes.
- Programmes which focus on biodiversity, natural disaster reduction, engineering, science education, climate change, renewable energy and sustainable development
- Collaboration with stakeholders of different aspect of application of natural science in sustainable livelihood.
