Zanzibar. Zanzibar is facing significant environmental challenges driven by climate change, including rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion into land, coastal erosion, and unpredictable weather patterns.
The Coordination Officer of the Ministry of Blue Economy, Omar Mohamed, highlighted these challenges on March 10, 2025, during a workshop on the Circular Economy and Blue Economy.
The event, hosted by Africa 21, brought together journalists, experts in the circular and blue economies, and representatives from African coastal and Indian Ocean island nations.
Mohamed pointed out that coral reef destruction threatens the fishing and tourism sectors, while saltwater intrusion and unpredictable rainfall are jeopardizing agriculture and freshwater sources.
“We need to take action now to protect livelihoods and food security,” he said, adding that one of the impacts is coastal communities being forced to relocate due to land loss.
He mentioned that between 23 percent and 54 percent of the population is affected by this issue. Additionally, the decline in fish populations is negatively impacting the livelihood of fishermen, thus threatening food security.
“Research and testimonies from fishermen show a reduction in fish breeding grounds, which forces the government to take decisive action to strengthen the fishing sector,” he explained.
The importance of environmental conservation
Hamad Bakar Hamad, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, emphasized that Zanzibar’s economy heavily relies on the sea, with the fishing and tourism sectors being key pillars of social and economic development.
“These sectors support nearly two-thirds of Zanzibar’s population, with fishing contributing between 4 percent and 8 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and tourism contributing over 29 percent,” said Hamad.
Other vital industries include sea farming, seaweed cultivation, and the harvesting of holothuria (sea cucumbers), all of which play a significant role in Zanzibar’s economy. In 2024, seaweed production reached approximately 18,000 tons, with 99 percent of international trade depending on marine resources.
Despite these economic contributions, Captain Hamad acknowledged that Zanzibar faces sustainability challenges and urged a shift in resource management practices to ensure long-term benefits for both the environment and the community.
Actions being taken
Captain Hamad stated that the government is encouraging women involved in seaweed farming and fishing to move to deeper sea areas to protect fish stocks and boost production.
“To facilitate this transition, the government has provided more than 1,000 boats to fishermen and seaweed farmers with 0 percent interest,” he added.
He further explained that efforts are underway to find better markets and establish processing industries to strengthen the value chain of the products produced.
“Our strategy ensures that women are not left behind in their economic activities, but are instead provided with tools and opportunities to thrive in the Blue Economy. Our Ministry is committed to supporting women’s continued active participation in this sector,” he elaborated.
He emphasized that the government’s commitment to environmental conservation and economic empowerment aims to ensure that Zanzibar’s marine resources continue to benefit the community while being preserved for future generations.
To address these challenges, Omar Mohamed proposed expanding the blue economy through seaweed farming and marine biotechnology, promoting the use of renewable energy, and implementing coastal protection projects.
He also stressed the importance of sustainable tourism and empowering youth with skills in environmental conservation and climate change adaptation techniques.
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