Tanzania harnessing target to drive conservation, blue economy

TANGA: THE coastal city of Tanga recently played host to a vital training programme that brought together journalists, conservationists and marine specialists under the Pwani Yetu Project. The training was not just an academic exercise.

It was a call-to-action participants were guided through the intersections of scientific knowledge, conservation policy and community livelihoods.

One of the key voices during this training was Dr Jestina Katandukila, a marine and coastal ecosystem conservation expert from the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), who emphasised that the future of Tanzania’s coasts must be understood within the framework of global conservation targets and the rapidly growing vision of the blue economy.

In her lecture, Dr Katandukila reminded participants that the world has now rallied around the 30×30 Target a global commitment to conserve at least 30 per cent of terrestrial, freshwater and marine areas by 2030.

She described this as the most ambitious conservation goal ever set, designed not only to halt biodiversity loss but also to strengthen resilience in the face of climate change and ensure sustainable development for all communities a microcosm of a global conversation.

It connected local realities fishing communities, mangrove conservation, marine parks and seaweed farming with international policies and frameworks that aim to safeguard the planet’s biodiversity.

“The 30×30 Target emerged from international discussions within the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and was prominently highlighted at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal in December 2022. It calls for the effective conservation and management of 30 per cent of the world’s oceans and lands by 2030.

“This goal is not just about drawing boundaries on maps but ensuring that these areas are well-managed, inclusive and effective in halting biodiversity loss. But more importantly, it brought into sharp focus the role of marine and coastal ecosystems in shaping the blue economy, an emerging economic model that emphasises sustainable use of ocean resources for growth, improved livelihoods and ecosystem health,” she said.

Dr Katandukila underscored that for coastal countries like Tanzania, the marine dimension of this target is particularly critical.

“Our coasts are not just lines where land meets the sea. They are living ecosystems mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs that provide food, shelter and livelihoods for millions. Protecting them under the 30×30 framework is central to both biodiversity and human development.

“The Indian Ocean coastline of Tanzania, stretching over 1,400 kilometres, is home to a remarkable diversity of marine life. Coral reefs sustain fish stocks, mangrove forests protect against storm surges and seagrass meadows act as powerful carbon sinks,” she analysed.

“Yet, these ecosystems are increasingly under pressure from overfishing, destructive practices, unregulated coastal development and the growing impacts of climate change,” she lectured.

During the lecturer session also, Dr Katandukila explained about the on how the blue economy as pathway for conservation and development. She explained a concept of blue economy has gained traction globally and is especially relevant for coastal nations.

“At its core, the blue economy refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, social inclusion and environmental preservation. It envisions a future where fishing, tourism, shipping, energy and biotechnology coexist with conservation efforts, rather than undermining them.

“The blue economy is about balance. It recognises that the ocean is a source of wealth, but that wealth must be managed in a way that does not compromise the ability of future generations to benefit from it. Marine conservation under the 30×30 target is therefore not separate from the blue economy it is its very foundation.

“The blue economy in Tanzania is already visible in activities like artisanal fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transport, offshore gas exploration and coastal tourism. However, without proper conservation frameworks, these opportunities risk being undermined by environmental degradation.

“Coral bleaching events threaten tourism potential, while overfishing reduces fishery yields and affects food security. The 30×30 Target provides the blueprint for ensuring that the expansion of the blue economy does not erode the ecological base on which it depends.

“We must avoid creating ‘paper parks’ areas that exist only on documents but are poorly managed on the ground. True conservation requires community buy-in, adequate resources and clear benefits for local people,” she cautioned.

She noted that the role of Indigenous peoples and local communities has been strongly emphasised in the 30×30 framework. Many coastal communities in Tanzania have long traditions of marine stewardship, such as seasonal fishing closures or mangrove replanting initiatives. Recognising and integrating this knowledge is essential for the success of both conservation and the blue economy.

“The training also unpacked the wider significance of the 30×30 Target. For biodiversity, it means securing habitats for species under threat, many of which are found in Tanzania’s waters, including dugongs, sea turtles and whale sharks. For climate change mitigation,” she verified.

“This means enhancing the carbon sequestration potential of mangroves and seagrass beds, which are far more efficient carbon sinks than terrestrial forests. For sustainable development, it ensures that ecosystem services from fisheries to coastal protection remain available to support human well-being,” she noted.

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Dr Katandukila noted that protecting 30 per cent of our ecosystems is not an arbitrary number. Science shows that it is the minimum threshold needed to halt biodiversity loss and maintain the natural systems that regulate our climate, produce our food and sustain our economies.

“While the promise of the 30×30 Target and the blue economy is great, the challenges are equally formidable. Land use conflicts, competing demands from agriculture, mining and urbanisation often push conservation down the priority list.

“Funding for marine conservation remains inadequate, with most marine parks struggling to cover operational costs. Moreover, climate change continues to accelerate, creating conditions that even the bestmanaged protected areas cannot fully shield against.

“Conservation cannot succeed in silence. We need stories that show people why these targets matter, how they connect to their lives and what they can do to contribute. By amplifying the voices of coastal communities, showcasing success stories and holding authorities accountable, the media can become a powerful ally in achieving the 30×30 Target and building a sustainable blue economy,” Dr Katandukila emphasised.

Dr Jestina Katandukila articulated, the path forward lies in integrating conservation with development, ensuring that ecosystems are not only protected but also able to support resilient economies and communities.

“The global call to protect 30 per cent of the planet by 2030 is not just a statistic; it is a lifeline for biodiversity, climate stability and human prosperity. And for countries like Tanzania, it is an invitation to lead, innovate and secure a sustainable future for both people and the ocean,” she concluded.