Mjini Magharibi, Zanzibar – The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) was joined by the European Union delegation in Tanzania, welcomed by the regional commissioner’s office for Mjini Magharibi for the launch of Pamoja Tuhifadhi Bahari Yetu project. The project will be executed in four regions (Mtwara, Coastal, Lindi and Dar es Salaam) in Mainland Tanzania and in two regions (North and South Unguja) in Zanzibar.
The project aims to reach 500,000 individuals in the target districts. Key interventions include the creation of at least 360 blue and green entrepreneurs and support for 15 innovative plastic ventures. Additionally, the project has set ambitious targets to achieve a 10% increase in investments in the circular economy and a 10% increase in marine and coastal areas under protection or sustainable management by 2028.
Pamoja Tuhifadhi Bahari Yetu Project aims to contribute to the improved environmental protection and biodiversity conservation of the coastal and marine ecosystems in Tanzania. Funded by the European Union through the ‘Blue Economy for job creation and climate change adaptation.’ The initiative will contribute to a climate resilient blue economy on the Tanzanian coastal cities and ecosystems.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Charles Oluchina, Country Representation for IUCN in Tanzania, highlighted why IUCN is proactive in leading this project. Noting that
“Despite the invaluable benefits the ocean provides to the planet, it is being faced by significant threats that if not controlled will result in the loss of biodiversity and other values we receive from the ocean. IUCN envisages that this project’s interventions will contribute to the existing initiatives geared towards conserving the coastal and marine ecosystems in Tanzania.”
The European Union, who are funding this project with 11 million euro under the broader blue economy for job creation program in Tanzania was represented by Mr. Marc Stalmans, Head of Development Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to Tanzania and the East African Community on his remarks, Mr Stalmans underscored that the European Union remains among global leaders in funding biodiversity conservation. “We as European Union in general are pledging 20 billion euros per year on conservation and biodiversity.” He also emphasized that the EU’s biodiversity conservation strategy 2030 is aligning with what Tanzania’s vision 2050 for attaining middle income country—with rich biodiversity—is aiming at.
Mr. Zahor El Kharousy, Representative, Minister of the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, Zanzibar brought out the government’s remarks for the project:
Projects like Bahari Yetu align perfectly with our national agenda, and we commend this initiative for its community-driven, inclusive, and environmentally-sound approach. It further contributes to the implementations of the Government coastal and marine conservation policies and guidelines through spearheading the marine and coastal resource management, embracing community-based conservation and co-management, promoting environmental education and awareness, and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
Adding on that from the mainland’s Vice President’s office – Union and Environment affairs, Dr Semvua Mzighani, Representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, stressed that “We particularly appreciate the project’s focus on community-led approaches, capacity building, and ecosystem-based management. These are key principles that guide our work in fisheries development across both small-scale and industrial sectors.
The launch event was attended by the project’s implementing partners; The Nature Conservancy (TNC), WWF Tanzania, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in Tanzania and Forum CC. The event also had relevant stakeholders and partners in the sector including, ZAFIRI, Vice President’s Office – Union and Environment affairs, TAFIRI, district commissioners from Mtwara, Kilwa, Mafia, and Unguja Kaskazini A and B.
This project will be implemented with close collaboration with local governments, partner organisations, the private sector and its associations, and local communities in identified areas.
Source: IUCN