Tanzania cherishes its rich coral reef reserves

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Deputy Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office, Labour, Economy and Investment in Zanzibar, Dr Rashid Ali Salim, has stressed the importance of protecting coral reefs as they contribute to the growth of the country’s economy by attracting tourists worldwide.

He made the statement earlier on Tuesday during the launching of the National Action Plan for Conservation of Resilient Coral Reefs (NAPCRCR) in Dar es Salaam, noting that he expects that the implementation of the plan will address the various challenges affecting marine reserves, including illegal fishing, climate change as well and environmental degradation.

“Even though the country gains a lot by having major tourism, ecological well-being, food security, trade, investment, as well as the well-being of coastal communities, for us to realise the full benefits of our marine reserves, these challenges have to be addressed,” he said.

Elaborating, Dr Salim said that the marine reserves in the country, such as Tanga, Mafia, Dar es Salaam, and Mtwara, have continued to be important tourist destinations for beaches and marine life, all thanks to highly effective conservation efforts.

Citing some of the benefits, he said that last year the country received a large cruise ship carrying about 154 tourists, which docked at Mafia Island, adding that it was a result of the strong protection of the coastal and marine ecosystems, including coral reef resources.

“Coral Reefs, these resources are our national heritage and pride. They are also one of the most important marine ecosystems, serving as breeding grounds, without forgetting that those resources are a major tourist attraction and support tourism activities,” he stated.

Furthermore, the DPM called upon citizens living along the coast, institutions, and organizations involved in conservation, and all development stakeholders in the country to implement the plan to achieve the country’s sustainable development goals and those of the United Nations.

Speaking earlier, the project coordinator who is also the Chief Conservator at Marine Parks and Reserves Tanzania (MPRU), Godfrey Ngupula, noted that the state of Coral Reefs in the country is still good, though in recent years, they were severely affected by blast fishing.

“We have the task to protect our resources, destroying coral reefs can weaken the economy of coastal communities and the national income, which largely depends on coral reefs. Therefore, the establishment of this strategic plan will enhance the protection of these areas,” he stated.

Additionally, he stated that over 70 percent of small-scale fishers in the coastal regions depend on resources from coral reefs, while Tanzania is said to generate about 14bn US dollars from them.

“For this reason, the fight against illegal fishing involves us all, the government, the private sector, and stakeholders. We have to work together to end illegal fishing, which threatens the survival of coral reefs,” he said.

Mentioning some challenges that they diagnosed when preparing the action, Mr Ngupula cited the huge knowledge gap among citizens, no strong coordination to result in proper coral conservation and management, lack of proper infrastructure to assure coral conservation and lack of assured funds for coral conservation as the major challenges they are facing in the attempt to protect coral reefs. .