ReSea Project Hands Over Productive Equipment to Blue Economy Enterprises to Strengthen Sustainable Livelihoods in Pemba, Tanzania

The equipment handover forms part of ReSea's commitment to supporting women, youth, and coastal community groups under its Blue People Pillar which seeks to increase the access of women and youth to Blue Economy opportunities. The equipment will directly support activities including seaweed farming and processing, sea cucumber farming, crab fattening, and sardine processing.

“Canada is proud to support the ReSea Project in Tanzania, led by Canada-based Mission inclusion and its partners. Through Partnering for Climate, we back community-led, gender-responsive adaptation. Across the Tanga-Pemba Seascape, from the new blue economy enterprises to the Chamanangwe Community Learning Centre, coastal communities are strengthening their own climate resilience and protecting the ecosystems they depend on,” said H.E. Emily Burns, High Commissioner of Canada to Tanzania.

Reflecting on the project's strategic investments, Perpetua Angima, Chief of Party for Mission inclusion, emphasized the transformative nature of this support:

“This equipment is more than a tangible resource; it is an investment in innovation, entrepreneurship, and the long-term sustainability of local businesses. With the support of Global Affairs Canada, Mission inclusion has invested in Pemba’s enterprises to improve livelihoods, create jobs, improve incomes, and scale innovative solutions for healthier marine ecosystems, benefiting both people and marine ecosystems for generations to come.”

Giving his remarks at the event, Mr. Charles Oluchina, IUCN Country Representative for Tanzania said “These efforts are helping to promote practical, inclusive, and gender-responsive approaches to building climate resilience in our communities. In many ways, this is another huge step towards the long-term sustainability of nature and people within the Tanga-Pemba seascape.”

Building capacity, strengthening governance, and empowering women

Beyond equipment provision, the initiative is complemented by practical training and capacity strengthening for lasting impact. Through technical mentorship, entrepreneurship training, market linkages, and productive asset support, the project has strengthened 12 Blue Economy Enterprises representing 259 members, the majority of whom are women and youth.

Highlighting the deeper social impact of this support, Rose Marandu, Executive Director of WFT-T, noted: “True economic empowerment is rooted in dignity, justice, and equal opportunity. Equipment support is a deliberate investment in dismantling structural barriers that have historically limited women’s productivity and leadership. When women gain access to productive resources, they gain far more than economic opportunities they gain confidence, voice, agency, and the power to shape decisions that affect their families and communities.”

In addition to supporting sustainable livelihoods, the project has strengthened 28 Beach Management Units (BMUs) and Shehia Fisheries Committees across the Tanga–Pemba Seascape, enhancing inclusive participation in marine governance and the sustainable management of coastal and marine resources.

Furthermore, the ReSea Project has reinforced marine governance across the Tanga-Pemba Seascape by strengthening 28 Beach Management Units (BMUs) and Shehia Fisheries Committees. This fosters inclusive participation in marine resource management and empowers local communities to protect the ecosystems they depend on.

Launch of the Chamanangwe Community Learning Centre

The handover ceremony also served as the official launch of the Chamanangwe Community Learning Centre. This new facility will act as a hub for capacity building, knowledge exchange, and innovation on Nature-based Solutions for Adaptation (NbSA), supporting communities and local leaders in developing practical solutions for climate resilience.

“The equipment handed over in Pemba is now in the hands of the women and youth leading this work. Through the ReSea project, with support from the Government of Canada under Partnering for Climate, Mission inclusion has backed them as they build 12 blue economy enterprises and strengthen marine governance through 28 Beach Management Units and Shehia Fisheries Committees across the Tanga-Pemba Seascape. With the new Chamanangwe Community Learning Centre, these are results the communities will carry well beyond the project. That is climate inclusion in practice,” said Andreanne Martel, ReSea Project Director, Mission inclusion.

As part of the celebrations in Tanzania, the project will also officially launch the Chamanangwe Community Learning Centre, a facility established to serve as a hub for capacity building, knowledge exchange, innovation, and learning on Nature-based Solutions for Adaptation (NbSA). The centre will support communities, local leaders, and stakeholders in developing practical solutions that strengthen climate resilience while conserving coastal ecosystems.

Looking ahead

The celebrations showcased the power of collaboration between coastal communities, government institutions, implementing partners, and the Government of Canada. The event underscores the importance of partnerships in advancing regenerative blue economy development and strengthening community resilience in the face of climate change.

About the ReSea Project

The Regenerative Seascapes for People, Climate and Nature (ReSea) Project works to improve the physical and socio-economic resilience of coastal communities in Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar, and Comoros through inclusive governance of marine and coastal ecosystems, Nature-based Solutions for climate adaptation, and sustainable blue economy opportunities for women and youth. In Tanzania, the Project is led by Mission inclusion, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Women Fund Tanzania-Trust (WFT-T).

Today's milestone is part of Canada's broader commitment to climate adaptation and inclusive international assistance. Through the Partnering for Climate program, the Government of Canada supports the ReSea Project's work.

For more information

Audrey Masitsa
Communications and Advocacy Coordinator
Mission inclusion

[email protected]

+254 743 869