Tanzania’s efforts to harness its marine resources for sustainable economic growth have received a significant boost after the European Union committed €11.4 million (US$12.4 million) to a programme aimed at protecting coastal ecosystems, creating jobs and expanding the country’s blue economy.
The funding will support the “Pamoja Tuhifadhi Bahari Yetu” (Let’s Protect Our Ocean Together) project, a four-year initiative running from 2024 to 2028 that seeks to balance environmental conservation with economic development along Tanzania’s coastline.
Coordinated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the programme forms part of the EU’s broader €110 million (US$119.7 million) Blue Economy for Job Creation and Climate Change Adaptation Programme in Tanzania.
The initiative brings together government agencies, conservation organisations, research institutions and local communities to address growing pressures on marine ecosystems while creating economic opportunities linked to fisheries, tourism and coastal enterprises.
Officials said the project will tackle biodiversity loss, plastic pollution, overexploitation of marine resources and weaknesses in research, monitoring and enforcement systems that have hindered sustainable management of coastal resources.
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Implementation will cover six regions — Mtwara, Lindi, Coast Region and Dar es Salaam on mainland Tanzania, as well as North and South Unguja in Zanzibar. The programme is expected to benefit more than 500,000 people through conservation, livelihood and capacity-building activities.
The project aims to support the creation of at least 360 blue and green entrepreneurs, assist 15 innovative plastic-waste management businesses, restore degraded marine and coastal ecosystems and establish stronger governance frameworks in the Mtwara and Unguja seascapes.
Speaking at the project launch, IUCN Tanzania Country Representative Charles Oluchina said the programme was built around collaboration among conservation groups, government institutions and development partners.
Under the initiative, the Forum on Climate Change will receive €449,559 (US$489,000) to support community engagement, climate awareness and local adaptation activities.
The Tanzanian branch of World Wide Fund for Nature has been allocated €628,063 (US$683,000) for marine conservation and biodiversity protection programmes.
Meanwhile, The Nature Conservancy will receive €1.12 million (US$1.22 million), the largest allocation among implementing partners, to strengthen community-led management of coastal forests and related ecosystems.
The Tanzanian office of the Wildlife Conservation Society has been awarded €628,739 (US$684,000) to implement marine biodiversity conservation projects and protect critical marine habitats.
According to project officials, activities will focus on five key areas: marine biodiversity conservation, community-based management of coastal forests, reduction of plastic pollution, institutional and research capacity building, and overall project coordination.
Beyond environmental protection, the programme is investing heavily in education and skills development to build expertise in marine science, environmental management and resource governance.
Project data show that scholarships and research support have already channelled more than 1.15 billion Tanzanian shillings (US$430,000) into academic training and capacity development.
Officials said the investment is intended to create a new generation of professionals capable of advancing conservation science, policy development and innovation in Tanzania’s marine sector.
Plastic pollution is another major focus area, with partners supporting initiatives to reduce waste generation, improve recycling systems and promote circular-economy business models in coastal communities.
Experts say healthier marine ecosystems can improve fisheries productivity, strengthen tourism competitiveness and reduce environmental degradation costs, while creating new income opportunities for coastal populations.
Representing Tanzania’s Vice-President’s Office for Union and Environment Affairs, Dr Semvua Mzighani said the project complements national priorities for marine conservation, fisheries development and sustainable livelihoods.
EU representative Marc Stalmans said the programme aligns with both the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and Tanzania’s Vision 2050, which seeks to build a prosperous middle-income economy through the sustainable use of natural resources.
Stakeholders said the initiative demonstrates how partnerships between governments, international organisations and local communities can support environmental protection while driving economic growth.
The programme is expected to strengthen enforcement capacity, enhance scientific research and contribute to the long-term development of Tanzania’s blue economy, which policymakers increasingly view as a key pillar of sustainable growth and climate resilience.
