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Authorities in Zanzibar have reaffirmed their dedication to the protection and conservation of coral reef ecosystems, recognizing their critical role in maintaining marine biodiversity and bolstering the region’s expanding blue economy. The announcement came during the official launch of the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Resilient Coral Reefs; a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing the multifaceted threats facing Tanzania’s coastal and marine environments.
Speaking at the event, Rashid Ali Salim, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office for Labour, Economy and Investment, highlighted the urgent need for more robust and coordinated efforts to safeguard coral reefs. He emphasized that these ecosystems are not only biological hotspots supporting local food systems and marine biodiversity but also serve as the backbone of the region’s coastal economy.
Coral reefs function as vital breeding and nursery grounds for a multitude of marine species. Their health directly impacts the availability of fish stocks, which are essential for food security and the economic survival of coastal communities. Moreover, their natural beauty and rich biodiversity are major draws for tourism, one of the fastest-growing sectors in Zanzibar’s economy.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary pointed to real-world outcomes of conservation efforts, citing the arrival of a cruise ship carrying 154 tourists at Mafia Island last year as a clear indicator of how marine ecosystem protection can lead to tangible economic benefits. Locations such as Mafia Island, Tanga, Mtwara, and Dar es Salaam’s coastal areas have all experienced growing tourism numbers, a trend linked to improved environmental conditions resulting from earlier preservation initiatives.
Marine-based tourism is becoming an integral part of the blue economy—a strategic development model that promotes sustainable use of ocean resources. This approach aligns with continental and global frameworks such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), which calls for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.
Despite their ecological and economic value, coral reefs remain among the world’s most threatened ecosystems. Scientific research, including findings from the United Nations Environment Programme, shows that coral reefs host around 25% of all marine species and generate approximately USD 375 billion annually in global ecosystem services. Yet they are increasingly at risk from a combination of human and climate-related pressures, including:
- Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing
- Coastal and marine pollution
- Habitat destruction and environmental degradation
- Climate change-driven phenomena like ocean acidification and coral bleaching
The newly unveiled action plan prioritizes these issues and proposes a set of integrated, evidence-based strategies to counter them.
While Zanzibar and Tanzania have previously undertaken marine conservation efforts through entities like the Marine Parks and Reserves Unit, the National Action Plan is seen as a more structured and collaborative blueprint. It intends to strengthen reef resilience, ensure adaptive responses to environmental stressors, and promote sustainable resource use across both Zanzibar’s archipelago and the Tanzanian mainland.
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As Zanzibar and other East African nations increasingly turn to marine-based economic models, this initiative underscores the deep interconnection between ecological preservation and economic growth. The challenge, however, lies in transforming this well-articulated plan into measurable, community-driven actions supported by effective monitoring, enforcement, and capacity building.
In doing so, Zanzibar not only safeguards its marine heritage but also positions itself as a regional leader in sustainable ocean governance—anchoring environmental protection at the core of its development strategy.