Nestled along the shores of the Western Indian Ocean, Tanzania boasts a coastline rich in biodiversity, with some of the region’s most pristine coral reefs. With its abundant marine resources, the country’s fishing industry is the cornerstone of both its local economy and national identity.
Troubled waters
The coastal communities of Tanzania heavily rely on small-scale fishing for their daily sustenance. Unfortunately, overfishing, illegal fishing practices and urban developments exact a heavy toll on the socio-economic life of the traditional fishing village. This results in a huge decline in fish populations, coral reef degradation and eroding coastlines.
Harbouring hope
With an unwavering belief that “Ocean health is community wealth,” the local NGO Mwambao Coastal Community Network (MCCN) dedicated itself to empowering coastal communities to take charge of their own resources. The Ecofish programme provided training and sufficient resources, enabling villagers to acquire fresh perspectives and updated skills to address these challenges.
The goal is clear: to safeguard the health of marine ecosystems. They do so by enhancing sustainable practices and promoting diversified community livelihoods.
Waves of progress
The MCCN has adopted a holistic approach to sustainable coastal resource management. Guided by the FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-scale Fishers (VG-SSF), they have managed to bring about many tangible results.
The waves of progress begin with the fishers of the region, who are experiencing improved harvests and incomes. The community is more engaged and involved in the management of marine resources, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. Additionally, more women started to participate in decision-making processes, contributing to more inclusive and diverse governance.
The deployment of artificial reef balls exemplifies one of the active restoration initiatives. This has significantly contributed to the revitalisation of marine habitats and the resurgence of biodiversity.
Another powerful tool for supporting the livelihoods of the community is the Eco-Credit scheme, incentivising conservation efforts while facilitating economic stability.
Finally, the coastal region has also witnessed a decrease in conflicts over marine resource usage. All this, thanks to the establishment and effective implementation of Community-Based Fisheries Management Areas (CFMAs) along with the promotion of sustainable practices.
As communities are experiencing a resurgence in both economic prosperity and environmental health, the MCCN’s efforts cast a ray of hope on Tanzania’s coastal communities.
