Tourism in the Eastern African Marine Ecoregion
Tanzania
Coastal Tourism is becoming increasingly important in Tanzania. Currently development of this sector is most prominent on the islands of Unguja, Pemba, and Mafia, though there is also expansion in Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Bagamoyo, Kilwa, Mtwara and at a few other sites along the coast.
Mafia Island Marine Park
At 822 square kilometres, Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP) is one of the largest marine protected areas in the Indian Ocean. It has been recognised as a centre of biodiversity in Eastern Africa, not only for its coral reefs, fish abundance, turtles and a wealth of other marine animals, but also for its mangroves, seagrass beds and coastal forest.
Mafia's marine and forest life is not only important for conservation. 10,000 people live inside the marine park boundary. Many live in traditional fishing communities, such as those on the islands of Chole, Juani, Bwejuu and Jibondo. Their livelihoods depend on catching fish, octopus etc. for food and income, and on mangrove and coral limestone for house building.
MIMP is not therefore managed as a simple, large 'no take' zone like the Serengeti or other terrestrial national parks in Tanzania. Instead the aim is to find a balance between conservation and livelihoods.
So don't be suprised to witness fishing, seaweed farming and other harvesting activities within the park. Through consultation with communities, all resource use is gradually being managed under a zoning plan and associated regulations. With support from organisations like WWF and NORAD, MIMP is assisting fishers to adopt sustainable & deep-water fishing gears and to trial small-scale aquaculture alternatives, as well as promoting awareness.
This undertaking is ambitious and costly. Success is gradual and depends on the good-will and collaboration of many. Including you as a tourist.
As a visitor to Mafia, the value you attach to a pristine environment helps to demonstrate the benefits of conservation to local communities. Moreover the entry fees, 100% of which are retained for MIMP, are an essential contribution to the marine park's development. We thank you.
Warden-in-Charge, Mafia Island Marine Park, PO Box 23, Mafia, Tanzania. mimpmafia@marineparktz.com
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