Tanga residents receive financial boost to protect marine resources

TANGA: RESIDENTS of Mwambani in Tanga City have received a 10.5m/- financial boost aimed at strengthening small businesses and reducing overdependence on marine resources.

The support targets fishers and fish traders in Tanga Sisi Ward, providing them with alternative sources of income to curb environmentally harmful practices such as illegal fishing, mangrove cutting and coastal pollution.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to promote the blue economy and protect fragile marine ecosystems.

It was implemented by the Coastal Community Network Tanzania through its Pwani Yetu Project, with funding from the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, and the European Union.

Speaking during the handover, the organisation’s Tanga Regional Coordinator, Ahmed Salim, said the funds were distributed to five groups comprising 150 members—110 women and 40 men—who had already undergone training in financial literacy and environmental conservation.

“We are equipping these members with capital to expand their businesses so they can reduce reliance on marine-based activities,” he said, noting that most beneficiaries are members of Beach Management Units (BMUs) whose livelihoods depend heavily on the sea.

Mr Salim explained that the funds are not repayable to the organisation. Instead, beneficiaries will operate an internal, interest-free lending system to ensure the capital continues circulating within their groups.

“We trust these members will become strong ambassadors for environmental conservation, particularly in protecting mangroves, maintaining clean beaches and promoting sustainable fishing practices,” he added.

Tongoni Ward Councillor, Bunu Omar, welcomed the initiative, saying it would help tackle rising marine-related crimes while improving livelihoods.

“Many residents depend entirely on the ocean. With this support, people can diversify their income sources,” he said.

ALSO READ: Guarding the waters: New hope for communities around Lake Victoria

He added that the initiative will not only increase earnings but also strengthen community patrols, as more people become aware of the importance of protecting marine resources.

The initiative reflects growing recognition that sustainable economic empowerment is key to safeguarding coastal ecosystems while advancing Tanzania’s blue economy agenda