Awareness Programs

We are sensitizing the population of coastal regions about environmental issues. The focus is on the significance of biodiversity and coral reefs in the Indian Ocean as well as measures to protect them. Through specific sensitization programs we promote awareness about marine resources and encourage the population to take responsibility for the environment.

Our target group are primarily fishermen, collectors, aquafarmers and people who live near the sea. Hot topics such as overfishing, destructive fishing techniques, sustainable resource management and increasing pollution due to inappropriate waste disposal are raised. Education levels are generally quite low and knowledge on marine sustainability is rudimentary.

What we do

We carry out awareness events, show presentations and films and best practice from other regions. In 2017, our focus was on the protection of the octopus population. In 2018, we intend to expand the program and employ a person who will carry out awareness and outreach events. We plan to develop thematic awareness modules as well as translate films and deliver them as CD / DVDs.

Also, the rapidly expanding tourism in Zanzibar cannot be considered as sustainable. It leads to increased pollution, while careless divers and snorkelers increase the pressure on the fragile coral reefs. With our anchor buoy program, we have already reached out to boat captains. In a next step, we are planning a sustainable code of conduct for tourists.

"Until the end of the world..."

Okala, project manager at marinecultures.org:

"I try to make my community and my family aware of our environment. The available resources are not just there for us, we are responsible for future generations. We must let our children know that all of us together are responsible for the environment until the end of the world."

>> Read the full story of Okala.