Canada-backed scheme boosts Pemba blue economy

ZANZIBAR: COASTAL communities in Pemba have received a major boost after women and youth groups were handed modern fishing and processing equipment worth over 270m/- to strengthen livelihoods and promote sustainable use of marine resources.

The support was provided under the Regenerative Seascapes for People, Climate and Nature (ReSea) project and coincided with the launch of the Chamanangwe Community Learning Centre in Wete District, which will serve as a hub for training, innovation and climate resilience.

Speaking during the handover, Canada’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Ms Emily Burns reaffirmed her country’s commitment to supporting Tanzania’s blue economy, particularly in coastal areas.

“Canada is proud to support community-led and gender-responsive initiatives that strengthen climate resilience while protecting marine ecosystems,” she said, adding that the partnership would continue empowering women and youth.

The equipment was distributed to 12 community groups involved in seaweed farming, sea cucumber cultivation, crab fattening and sardine processing. The items included fishing boats with engines, diving gear, life jackets, drying racks, office equipment and laptops.

Mission inclusion Chief of Party, Ms Perpetua Angima, said the project is designed to build resilient businesses while safeguarding marine ecosystems for future generations.

The initiative has supported 12 blue economy enterprises with 259 members, most of them women and youth, while strengthening 28 beach management units and Shehia fisheries committees to improve governance of marine resources.

Women Fund Tanzania Trust Executive Director, Ms Rose Marandu said economic empowerment enables women to gain confidence, participate in decision-making and contribute to inclusive development.

Wete District Commissioner, Abdalla Rashid Ali urged beneficiaries to utilise the equipment effectively to improve incomes and ensure lasting benefits.

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A senior official in Zanzibar’s Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Salim Mohamed Hamza said government policies have enabled women to participate more actively in marine-based economic activities.

Funded by the government of Canada, the ReSea project is implemented by Mission inclusion in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Women Fund Tanzania Trust to strengthen climate resilience and sustainable blue economy development across East Africa.