Our 11 partner communities are situated on the northern tip of Unguja Island, commonly known as Zanzibar Island, and are home to over 47 000 residents. Tourism is the major economic contributor; aside from the tourism industry, employment opportunities are limited, particularly for those living outside the capital of Zanzibar City, with its historic centre of Stone Town. Most community members engage in small-scale fishing and subsistence farming to earn a living.
Despite significant growth in the Zanzibar tourism economy, our partner communities remain relatively impoverished. Over the past decade we have focused on improving access to primary healthcare and education, supporting the development and improvement of local clinics and schools. In addition, in 2018 we initiated our Oceans Without Borders (OWB) marine conservation programme, with a focus on coral restoration and improved protection of key marine breeding and nursery areas with the 2 130 ha Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area (MIMCA). This work recognises that the health and resilience of marine ecosystems is crucial to local livelihoods and the food security needed for a thriving Blue Economy.
We work closely with the local Shehia, Local, District and Zanzibar government structures, who are equally committed to supporting the sustainable development of local communities, and improved MIMCA management.
