About Lawyers' Environmental Action Team (LEAT)
Lawyers’ Environmental Action Team (LEAT) is a non-governmental and not for profit-making environmental management and protection organization in Tanzania. The organization was established in 1994 by a group of lawyers who were concerned about the state of the environment in Tanzania. Since then, LEAT has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable development, protecting natural resources, and advocating for environmental justice.
LEAT's mission is to promote sound environmental management practices that are socially just, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable. The organization believes that environmental protection is essential for human well-being and economic development. Therefore, it works to ensure that natural resources are used sustainably so that future generations can also benefit from them.
One of LEAT's core areas of focus is on promoting good governance in natural resource management. The organization advocates for transparency and accountability in decision-making processes related to natural resource use. It also works to strengthen legal frameworks related to environmental protection so that they are more effective in safeguarding the environment.
LEAT also engages with communities living near protected areas such as national parks and game reserves. Through its community outreach programs, LEAT educates local communities on their rights regarding access to natural resources such as water sources or grazing lands. It also provides legal assistance when necessary to help communities protect their rights.
Another area where LEAT has made significant contributions is on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. The organization recognizes the importance of addressing climate change as it poses a significant threat to both people's livelihoods and ecosystems' health. Therefore, it works with various stakeholders such as government agencies, civil society organizations, private sector actors among others towards developing policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing resilience against climate impacts.
In conclusion, Lawyers’ Environmental Action Team (LEAT) plays an essential role in promoting sustainable development practices while protecting Tanzania's environment through advocacy work aimed at strengthening legal frameworks related to environmental protection; engaging with local communities living near protected areas; providing legal assistance when necessary; working towards developing policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing resilience against climate impacts among other initiatives geared towards achieving its mission statement - "promoting sound environmental management practices that are socially just economically viable environmentally sustainable."