Inclusive Blue Economy in Action: Lessons from the Bahari Mali Project in Zanzibar

Coastal communities in Pemba Island are demonstrating how marine conservation and livelihoods can advance together, and a recent field mission by the Embassy of Ireland in Tanzania provided an opportunity to witness these efforts first-hand. As part of a growing collaboration to advance sustainable coastal livelihoods and marine conservation IUCN in partnership with the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries (MoBEF) Zanzibar, hosted a delegation from the Embassy of Ireland in Tanzania, led by Ambassador Nicola Brennan, for a two-day field mission under the Bahari Mali Project. The visit was conducted within the framework of Ireland’s Inclusive Economic Growth (IEG) Programme, which supports initiatives that enhance sustainable livelihoods, climate resilience, and inclusive development. The mission aimed to deepen engagement with local stakeholders and observing project implementation at ground level.

The delegation began with courtesy visit to Micheweni district government authority where discussions focused on project progress, governance structures, and district development priorities. Khatibu Juma Mjaja, Micheweni District Commissioner highlighted the importance of community-led marine resource management and commended the project’s contribution to translating national blue economy policies into tangible local action.

A core focus of the mission was site visits to community cooperatives and Sustainable Fisheries Committees implementing Bahari Mali-supported activities. The delegation observed a diverse range of initiatives designed to strengthen livelihoods while conserving marine ecosystems. In seaweed farming and processing groups, many led by women, community members showcased value-added products such as soaps and oils, demonstrating how innovation and entrepreneurship can enhance incomes beyond raw seaweed sales. Sustainable mariculture initiatives such as sea cucumber farming illustrated efforts to diversify livelihoods and reduce pressure on wild fish stocks. 

Beyond livelihoods, the mission highlighted strong community engagement in conservation and climate resilience efforts. Mangrove restoration activities demonstrated how communities are rehabilitating degraded coastal areas to enhance biodiversity, strengthen coastal protection, and increase resilience to climate impacts. Through Sustainable Fisheries Committees, communities are actively participating in fisheries governance and conservation decision-making, strengthening stewardship and sustainable resource management. 

The integration of conservation and livelihoods reflects an inclusive blue economy approach that aligns with national development priorities and global commitments on climate and biodiversity.

Over the past three years, the Bahari Mali Project, supported by the Embassy of Ireland in Tanzania, has demonstrated how integrated blue economy approaches can strengthen coastal livelihoods while advancing marine conservation. Through the Blue Economy Incubator programme, 408 individuals have received support to promote and diversify their livelihoods from Year 1 to Year 3. across the Tanga–Pemba seascape. Over 60% of beneficiaries are women, many of whom have become leaders in seaweed value‑addition, aquaculture, and mangrove restoration. One beneficiary remarked, “For the first time, our seaweed brings real income. We feel empowered to grow as entrepreneurs.” Innovative approaches such as Integrated Multi‑Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) and value‑addition for seaweed and fisheries products helped communities diversify income and reduce pressure on wild stocks. These interventions contributed to increased household incomes and enhanced purchasing power among beneficiary communities, reflecting tangible socio-economic benefits at both household and seascape levels. By linking income generation with conservation, Bahari Mali has shown that sustainable livelihoods and ecosystem stewardship can reinforce one another.

The project has achieved significant outcomes in ecosystem restoration, governance, and knowledge generation. Six community restoration groups in Pangani, Mkoani, Micheweni, and Mkinga districts developed and implemented restoration plans targeting 90.4 hectares of mangrove restoration, complemented by the establishment of community mangrove nurseries. Under the project governance frameworks have been strengthened through the establishment of the Tanga–Pemba Multi-Stakeholder Forum, strengthened marine governance by supporting 22 BMUs and SFCs to develop by‑laws, fisheries management plans, and mangrove restoration schemes. It also advanced cutting‑edge research on ocean acidification, establishing the foundation for Tanzania’s first Ocean Acidification experimentation laboratory.. 

Overall, the visit underscored the shared commitment of IUCN, MoBEF, the Embassy of Ireland, and local communities to advancing inclusive blue economy pathways that strengthen livelihoods while conserving marine and coastal ecosystems in Zanzibar. By linking conservation with economic opportunities, the Bahari Mali Project is contributing to resilient coastal communities and sustainable marine resource management. IUCN remains committed to working with government and development partners to scale community-led models that deliver socio-economic and environmental benefits across Tanzania’s coastal and marine landscapes.