The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced a substantial aid package of $25 million (equivalent to almost 60 billion Tanzanian Shillings) for the 'Heshimu Bahari' respect the ocean activity, a comprehensive conservation initiative set to span over five years.Mr. Sadiki Laiser, Chief of Party for the 'USAID Heshimu Bahari Activity', revealed that an additional $13 million has been allocated for the project, extending its implementation timeline until 2027.
Mr. Laiser explained, "In support of the above objectives and to achieve Heshimu Bahari development goals, the activity will implement these under contract programs to support a wide range of community-based conservation efforts around areas important for marine biodiversity and climate adaptation across Tanzania."
The program seeks to bolster the technical and administrative capacities of local organizations, enhancing the impact of their initiatives and conducting vital research.
The initial funding of $12 million for the activity, launched last year, was directed towards Bagamoyo district (Coast region), Mkinga and Pangani districts in Tanga region, as well as Unguja and Pemba islands in Zanzibar.
The latest installment of $13 million will extend coverage to new regions, including Dar es Salaam, Mafia (Coast), Kilwa (Lindi), and Mtwara.
The 'USAID Heshimu Bahari Activity' encompasses various interventions such as facilitating dialogues, designing and co-developing Fishery Replenishment Zones (FRZ) networks within existing Marine Management Areas (MMAs) and Collaborative Fisheries Management Areas (CFMAs) using ecological data or modeling.
Mr. Laiser noted that other interventions include co-developing innovative MMA sustainable financing mechanisms, crafting standard operating procedures for MMA co-management within MMAs and CFMAs, designing compliance-linked livelihood initiatives, engaging private sector actors in the tourism and fisheries industries, and enhancing the effectiveness of MMAs through value chain and FRZ initiatives. Additionally, the activity will foster dialogues with key stakeholders on the science-policy-management interface of MMAs.
The objectives of Heshimu Bahari encompass bolstering the Tanzanian government's capacity to manage MMAs, integrating climate science and research, and reinforcing regulations to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The initiative also aims to establish or strengthen robust, accountable extension systems that support community management structures in monitoring, conflict resolution, and co-management enforcement.Mr. Laiser emphasized that the participation of women and youth in fisheries MMA management will be a focal point for strengthening.
USAID Tanzania Mission Director, Mr. Craig Hart, recently visited Chwaka in Unguja South, highlighting that Tanzania's coral reefs rank among the world's 50 most climate-resilient reefs due to their biological and oceanographic attributes.
Tanzania's marine and coastal ecosystems are home to diverse coral reefs, sea grasses, open-ocean pelagic habitats, and mangroves. Unfortunately, overfishing, haphazard infrastructure projects, and climate change pose significant threats to these ecosystems, their flora, fauna, and local livelihoods.Mr. Hart commended the concerted efforts of Chwaka's fishermen, seaweed farmers, and fishing committees, pledging USAID's unwavering support through the 'Heshimu Bahari' activity.