Vision
To transform Zanzibar into a model of sustainable island living by restoring vital ecosystems, empowering local communities, and promoting nature-based solutions to climate change.
Key Objectives
Restore Coral Reefs and Marine Ecosystems
- Replant 50,000 coral fragments using coral gardening and artificial reef structures.
- Establish 3 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) co-managed with local communities.
Regenerate Mangrove Forests
- Plant 1 million mangrove seedlings across degraded coastal areas.
- Develop nurseries run by women’s cooperatives.
Re-wild Terrestrial Habitats
- Reintroduce 10 native species of flora and fauna to Jozani Forest and other degraded inland areas.
- Implement invasive species control programs.
Community Engagement & Sustainable Livelihoods
- Train 500 local youth in Eco-tourism, reef monitoring, and forest management.
- Launch a “Green Schools Zanzibar” program to integrate ecological education.
Climate Resilience and Policy Advocacy
- Integrate traditional knowledge with modern science to strengthen climate adaptation.
- Work with local government to embed restoration goals in district plans.
Timeline
Duration: 5 Years (2025–2030)
Phases:
- Year 1: Baseline studies, partnerships, nurseries & pilot sites.
- Year 2–3: Active restoration, training, and scaling.
- Year 4–5: Long-term monitoring, knowledge sharing, exit strategy.
Budget Overview (USD)
| Category | Year 1 | Year 2–3 | Year 4–5 | Total (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coral Reef Restoration | $150,000 | $300,000 | $150,000 | $600,000 |
| Mangrove Reforestation & Nurseries | $200,000 | $400,000 | $200,000 | $800,000 |
| Terrestrial Rewilding & Biodiversity | $100,000 | $200,000 | $100,000 | $400,000 |
| Community Training & Livelihoods | $120,000 | $240,000 | $120,000 | $480,000 |
| Education & Awareness Programs | $60,000 | $120,000 | $60,000 | $240,000 |
| Monitoring, Research & Evaluation | $80,000 | $160,000 | $160,000 | $400,000 |
| Policy Engagement & Stakeholder Dialogues | $40,000 | $80,000 | $80,000 | $200,000 |
| Project Management & Admin | $100,000 | $200,000 | $200,000 | $500,000 |
| Contingency & Emergency Fund (10%) | - | - | - | $362,000 |
| Total Estimated Budget | $3,982,000 | |||
Partners and Stakeholders
- Local: Community forest associations, fisherfolk cooperatives, women’s groups, schools.
- Government: Department of Environment, Ministry of Blue Economy, Zanzibar National Parks.
- NGOs/Academia: WWF Tanzania, Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS), local universities.
- International: UNDP, IUCN, Global Environment Facility (GEF), Blue Action Fund.
Why It Matters
Zanzibar’s biodiversity is not just a natural treasure—it’s a lifeline for its people. By restoring its living systems today, we are investing in a thriving, equitable, and climate-resilient future.
Get Involved
Whether you're a donor, NGO, researcher, or Eco-enthusiast—Living Islands invites you to be part of the movement. Together, we can create an island legacy that lasts for generations.