Enhancing local stakeholders engagement for conservation of coral reef ecosystem within Pepokibukwa Collaborative Fisheries Management Area (CFMA), Tanzania

In efforts to protect Tanzania’s vibrant coral reef ecosystems, Aqua-Farms Organization is spearheading a community based project within the Pepokibukwa Collaborative Fisheries Management Area (CFMA) which seeks to halt the destructive impact of illegal fishing and overfishing that threaten this vital ecosystem.

The project focuses on the villages of Buyuni, KwaMoris, Puna, and PembaMnazi, where coral reefs face significant threats from unsustainable fishing practices. By engaging local stakeholders and building their capacity for sustainable fisheries management, Aqua-Farms Organization aims to foster a culture of conservation and responsible resource use.

The project’s core strategy is to empower local communities through hands-on training and collaborative planning. Organizing capacity-building workshops plays a key component, where 40 members from the Beach Management Units (BMUs) will receive intensive training on sustainable and non-destructive fishing techniques, responsible fisheries practices, and how to enhance their leadership skills for enforcing fishing regulations. This effort is crucial for promoting responsible fisheries and ensuring the long-term health of coral reefs.

A highlight of the project is the co-design workshops where community leaders, Fisheries officers, relevant marine conservation NGOs and policymakers will come together to create a comprehensive, long-term coral reef management plan tailored to the unique context of Pepokibukwa CFMA. This collaborative approach will foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among local stakeholders which will strengthen their commitment to conservation and ensure the plan’s successful implementation.

Furthermore, two community stakeholder workshops will be conducted, focusing on knowledge exchange in order to build a united front for effective conservation measures. These interactive sessions will engage BMU leaders, boat operators, reef rangers, and fishing committees, which will facilitate a cohesive and strategic approach to protecting the coral reef ecosystem. The project’s urgency is underscored by Aqua-Farms Organization’s previous success in early 2023, where the restoration of 1,000 coral fragments in degraded reefs at Buyuni demonstrated a 90% success rate, reviving fish populations and improving local fisheries.

Through this Project, Aqua-Farms Organization aims to replicate its past success and create a resilient model for sustainable coral reef conservation. By engaging and empowering local communities, the project aspires to safeguard the biodiversity and ecological balance of Pepokibukwa CFMA, ensuring that these underwater ecosystems can be enjoyed for generations to come.