Wild Impact and &Beyond’s Oceans Without Borders (OWB) marine conservation programme was started within the Mnemba Island seascape in 2018. Mnemba Island, located off the northeastern coast of Zanzibar, is renowned for its pristine coral reefs, clear turquoise waters, and diverse marine life. Collaborative initiatives in partnership with local communities, government authorities and regional stakeholders have included coral reef restoration, sustainable tourism practices, local education through workshops and school classes, and enterprise development.
Within the Mnemba Island seascape, the Oceans Without Borders team works with key local stakeholders and partners to support the development of a community-based conservation model that integrates research, monitoring, and community development to underwrite the restoration and protection of the Mnemba Island marine ecosystems and empower thriving coastal communities, to support a sustainable blue economy in Zanzibar. The OWB team operate from Mnemba Island, where they are embedded in the day-to-day operations of &Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge.