Tackling the complex, interconnected issues our oceans face requires novel perspectives, integrated approaches and new partnerships that transcend disciplines and sectors. This is at the core of Oceans Without Borders, an innovative inter-sectoral partnership between Wild Impact, a not-for-profit community development organisation, and &Beyond, a conservation-focused travel company with luxury lodges across southern and East Africa. Together, the partnership is driving marine conservation and ocean conservation across some of Africa’s most important coastal and marine ecosystems.
Working closely with local communities, research institutions, not-for-profits, government agencies and the private sector, the partnership aims to positively influence marine conservation, marine biodiversity, coral reef conservation, and community development within the seascapes in which &Beyond’s two island lodge sites are located, linking over 2,000 kilometres of African coastline. The programme also supports community-led conservation and marine ecosystem restoration to create healthier oceans and resilient coastal communities.
The overarching goal of the OWB Strategic Framework is to support and enable the effective conservation of each seascape and the sustainable development of its associated island and coastal communities. The regional seascapes or conservation clusters include Mnemba Island in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and Benguerra Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique. With a long-term commitment to these sites and well-established relationships with local communities, the programme is well positioned to positively influence marine protected areas, marine biodiversity, sustainable fisheries, marine wildlife protection, and marine habitat restoration across eastern Africa, while supporting the communities that depend on healthy oceans.