NCBA steps up coastal conservation with 13,000 mangroves in Zanzibar

ZANZIBAR: NCBA Bank has planted 13,000 mangrove seedlings in Zanzibar as part of its efforts to promote environmental conservation and protect coastal ecosystems under its ‘Change the Story – Badilisha Simulizi’ campaign.

The exercise, conducted in Muyuni A Shehia, South District, South Unguja Region, brought together government representatives, community leaders, forestry experts, seaweed farmers, students, teachers and other stakeholders to promote collective responsibility in protecting the environment.

The initiative contributes to the bank’s target of planting and nurturing 20,000 trees across Tanzania by December 2026. The bank has already planted 2,000 trees in Arusha and another 2,000 in Dar es Salaam.

Speaking during the exercise, NCBA Bank Managing Director Alex Mziray said environmental conservation was an important part of the bank’s commitment to empowering individuals, businesses and communities.

“NCBA believes responsibility extends beyond banking services. As we empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve their goals and aspirations, we also recognise the importance of protecting the environment that makes those achievements possible,” he said.

Mziray added that effective mangrove conservation required close collaboration with local communities, particularly seaweed farmers whose livelihoods depend on healthy and sustainable coastal ecosystems.

He said the bank had also provided equipment to support the care and maintenance of the planted seedlings, emphasising the importance of ensuring that the trees survive and deliver long-term environmental benefits.

A Forest Officer with the Department of Forestry in Unguja, Umulkurthum Khamis, said mangroves played a crucial role in protecting coastal areas and supporting economic activities, including seaweed farming.

“Mangroves play an important role in protecting coastal areas and supporting economic activities that depend on these environments, including seaweed farming. It is essential for communities to actively participate in caring for the planted mangroves to ensure they thrive and continue to deliver long-term benefits,” she said.

Meanwhile, Abdalla Sharif, an Extension Officer with the Zanzibar Community Forest Conservation Association (JUMHIJAZA), urged residents to become environmental ambassadors by protecting mangroves and avoiding activities that could damage them.

He said community participation was essential to the success of tree-planting initiatives, noting that residents had an important role to play in safeguarding and maintaining natural resources in their local areas.

The ‘Change the Story – Badilisha Simulizi’ campaign reflects NCBA Bank ’s commitment to environmental sustainability through initiatives aimed at restoring natural vegetation, protecting coastal ecosystems and supporting communities whose livelihoods depend on natural resources.