BACKGROUND

EPMS was established in 1997 in Dar es salaam, Tanzania, as a professional environmental firm dedicated to work with both at national and international level on issues related to environment and sustainable development. The key areas of expertise include Climate Change, EIA and other professional services as well as activities related to the implementation of the three post Rio Conventions (CBD, UNFCCC and UNCCD). EPMS also does research and development projects and analysis of policy related works in collaboration with academic and research institutions, government departments as well as NGOs and CBOs. We provide technical and professional services to the private sector in fostering better understanding of the link between trade and environment and the implications of globalization in this context. In so doing EPMS also creates a better understanding of available opportunities in the implementation of the various Conventions such the UNFCCC in terms of adaptation and its Kyoto protocol in terms of carbon trading and other opportunities within the UN and other intergovernmental processes globally.

EPMS's main focus has been on climate change and sustainable development and has in their capacity provided both physical training and e-learning on CDM and climate change mitigation and adaptation related issues. This has built the capacity of individuals as well as institutions that have been participating in climate change related issues as well as poverty reduction efforts. Perspective CDM/Mitigation includes replacing kerosene with PV solar and use of energy efficient stoves in rural areas. These projects will have a greater impact on the livelihood since 75% of Tanzania's population whose income is less than a dollar a day live in rural or remote areas and have no access to electricity power distribution network.

EPMS is one of the few and First African Climate Change Institutions (the first one from Eastern Africa) to be register on the CDM Bazaar; a web based CDM Information Exchange Forum established by the CDM Executive Board and being managed by the CDM Team at the Climate Change Secretariat in Bonn, Germany.

EPMS is a member of the national team working on the Tanzania National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) for climate change. It has been providing consultative professional advice to possible adaptation activities in the energy and industry sectors.

EPMS is also in the process of preparing coastal communities adaptation projects such as those related to sea water salt intrusion into drinking water wells.

Organisation

EPMS has a Chairman who is the head of the EPMS Management Team. Below him is the Executive Director responsible for the day-to-day management of the EPMS. Below the Executive Director is a team of staff that includes the Programme Manager, Programme Officers, Administrative Secretary and auxiliary staff.

EPMS has a Secretarial Services Office for printing of low cost materials for environmental education. The unit is capable of producing a wide variety of printed materials including newsletters, brochures, education booklets, posters, etc.