Conservation success: How Zanzibar is saving its coral reef
The coral reef surrounding Mnemba Island in Tanzania's Zanzibar archipelago faced severe threats from climate change, overfishing, and tourism. In response, a conservation project launched in 2021 has successfully restored 80% of the "house reef" through underwater nurseries and artificial reef structures. Local divers, trained as conservation rangers, nurture coral fragments before replanting them on the reef.
The project has gained community support and government backing. Zanzibar designated the area as protected in 2022, limiting tourist numbers and increasing fees. Fishing has been suspended around the house reef during restoration.
The initiative has provided employment opportunities, including for Atuwa Omar, the project's only female diver. Positive changes include reduced illegal fishing practices and increased awareness of sustainable methods. Encouraged by the project's success, the Zanzibar government plans to expand similar conservation efforts to other threatened areas, potentially offering a model for coral reef preservation worldwide.
Source: BBC