Protecting the oceans, empowering people

Zanzibar's coast dwelling communities still live mainly from fishing and collecting marine animals in lagoons. For years, however, fishermen and collectors have been confronted with a decline of their yields from the sea.

Climate change is exacerbating the pressure on marine resources and increased temperatures are leading to the death of corals. Tourism is an additional burden on the environment; pollution and the anchoring of boats damage coral reefs.

Healthy coral reefs are crucial for the marine food chain  and thus for the nutrition of the the coastal communities.

marinecultures.org supports people on the coast of Zanzibar with projects in two areas: the development of aquacultures and the implementation of marine conservation initiatives. We implement the projects together with fishermen, gatherers, authorities and other stakeholders.

Seaweed Farming
 

Aquaculture

As an alternative to fishing, we develop ecologically compatible aquaculture such as sponge or coral farms. The cultivation of sponges and corals was previously unknown in East Africa; marinecultures.org is doing pioneering work here. In our aquaculture projects we train inhabitants of the coastal region so that they can run their own farms and make a living from them.

Marine conservation

Together with the population, we take measures to protect marine resources: protected areas for marine animals, strengthening of endangered coral reefs through artificial reefs and reforestation. The projects raise awareness of the vulnerability of marine resources among fishermen, collectors and local authorities and lead the way to sustainable use.

Okala at work in the coral farm
 

Our Activities

Growing sponges

On the east coast of Zanzibar we build sponge farms and train women to become sponge farmers who earn a decent income. Natural sponges are a high-quality products popular in cosmetics, body care and painting.
>> Growing sponges

Protecting coral reefs

In our coral farm in the lagoon of Jambiani we grow corals for the reforestation of damaged reefs. Together with the community we build artificial reefs, install buoys for fishing and diving boats to prevent anchor damage. Most importantly, these activities draw attention to the ecological importance of coral reefs.
>> Protecting coral reefs

Conserving fish stocks

To enable fish stocks to recover, we work with fishermen and local authorities to set up protected areas. Closed seasons for octopus can protect their populations and increase catch rates at the same time. Our aim is to work with the communities and the authorities to achieve sustainable fishing in coastal waters.
>> Conserving fish stocks