Tanzania / 4 Min Read

Mangroves: An Essential Plant for Ecosystem Restoration

Mikoko: Mmea Muhimu Kurejesha Mfumo Ikolojia

Restoration and conservation project to preserve coastal ecosystems and benefit local community

Sarah Pima

Activist and Storyteller

Sarah Pima

Activist and Storyteller

Introduction

In the picturesque coastal landscape of Mdimni village, located in the Mkuranga Region of Tanzania, once-thriving mangroves face a dire threat due to the rapid increase in human population. Sarah Pima unfolds the remarkable narrative of a community determined to combat the consequences of negative human impact on the environment through the inspiring efforts of the Human Dignity and Environmental Care Foundation (HUDEFO). Their mission: to reverse the tide of deforestation and restore the fragile ecosystem that sustains their livelihoods and wellbeing.

Mangroves in Peril: A Village’s Battle Against Deforestation

Mangroves, crucial for the restoration of degraded ecosystems, hold the key to enhancing environmental quality by curbing soil erosion and fostering biodiversity. In Mdimni village, a surge in population led to widespread deforestation, especially targeting the vital mangrove trees. The consequences were far-reaching, affecting aquatic species that depended on these coastal areas for survival. The villagers, reliant on fishing for their livelihoods, faced diminishing catches and a struggling ecosystem.

Various initiatives, including a collaboration among the villagers with environmental organizations such as MAZINGIRA PLUS, TCCI, and ETE, aimed to restore the mangrove ecosystem in Mdimni village. HUDEFO, under the dynamic leadership of Sarah Pima, spearheaded the Mangrove Restoration project, uniting the entire community in planting and protecting seedlings, promoting sustainable farming practices, and conserving the ecosystem through innovative measures like installing beehives in the mangrove forest.

The results were promising: an increase in aquatic species, improved livelihoods, and a thriving community bound by a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.

The mangroves of Mukuranga, Tanzania, are grappling with three main challenges: rampant deforestation caused by illegal logging, the encroachment of coastal development, and the negative effects of climate change, such as sea level rise and intensification of storms. These issues collectively threaten the sustainability and conservation of these vital coastal ecosystems. Involving villagers in restoration projects helps address these challenges in a more lasting and sustainable way.

Sarah Pima’s Vision: Empowering Communities for Sustainable Change

Born and raised in Tanzania, Sarah Pima, marine researcher and the Executive Director of HUDEFO, recognized the urgency of addressing the challenges posed by deforestation and initiated a restoration and conservation project in Mdimni village. Through data collection and group discussions, Sarah and her team quickly realized that the villagers needed to play an active role in the project, instead of being passive recipients of the team’s interventions. “Mangroves serve as both a regenerating food source and natural defense against coastal erosion and storms, protecting the village from unpredictable weather events,” Sarah said.

By involving the community in restoration projects, awareness of ecological importance and sustainable practices is flourishing. “Mangroves are an investment in their future,” says Sarah. The project is instilling a sense of ownership and fostering a commitment to safeguarding these vital ecosystems for future generations.

“It wasn’t easy,” Sarah confides, “Mangroves are still too often looked at as a cheap source of fuel, both to use and to sell. But once people can see with their own eyes and touch with their own hands the effect of restoration, they understand.” Through the project, the impact of restoration has become tangible, convincing even skeptics that mangroves are an important ecosystem whose restoration leads to positive impacts for both nature and humans. To date, a total of 18,600 mangrove trees have been planted.

In Mdimni village, ecosystem restoration, particularly of mangroves, has proven essential due to its impact on the local community's livelihoods and the environment. Involving villagers in restoration efforts not only ensures their active participation and ownership but also leverages their traditional ecological knowledge. This engagement has led to successful mangrove planting initiatives, job opportunities, and improved wellbeing.

Mangroves and Beekeeping: An Unlikely Pairing for a Sustainable Future

In addition to planting mangrove trees, HUDEFO also introduced beehives into the mangrove ecosystem. “Bees are considered important forest soldiers and provide additional protection to the mangroves,” Sarah said. Bees pollinate mangrove trees, promoting seed dispersal, improving biodiversity, and discouraging people from cutting down trees with their presence. Beekeeping in mangrove areas can also provide supplemental income sources for local communities who learn how to harvest the honey and take care of bee families. This innovative measure alleviated the pressure on mangrove resources, guiding the community away from reliance on tree cutting for an income to embracing beekeeping. Finally, seeing the bees in action can foster community engagement and educate people about the interconnectedness of species and ecosystems.

In the Mukuranga community, bees are used as a multifaceted tool in mangrove restoration. Beehives deter illegal activities, promote biodiversity through pollination, and offer an extra income source from honey production. This innovative approach not only safeguards the mangroves but also improves the community's socio-economic well-being, creating a sustainable balance between conservation and livelihood enhancement.

Sarah Pima considers the Mdimni village project a resounding success, ready to be replicated elsewhere. She is happy to say that “the positive impact can be seen not only on the ecosystem itself but on the villagers!”. Through tree planting, beehive integration, and community training, the project stands as a beacon, illustrating the profound importance of mangrove conservation and its positive ripple effect on both the environment and local communities.

Mangroves are an essential element of healthy ecosystems in Tanzania. They act as a natural buffer against coastal erosion, safeguarding communities and infrastructure from the devastating impacts of rising sea levels and storm surges. They also serve as vital nurseries for marine life and sequester large amounts of carbon, mitigating climate change. Additionally, these ecosystems enhance water quality by filtering pollutants and provide opportunities for ecotourism, contributing to the economy. Lastly, preserving biodiversity in mangroves is essential for sustaining a healthy ecosystem and preserving unique species.

Principle

Promotes Resilience to Address Climate Change

Climate change has impacted fisheries operations and increased the vulnerability of small-scale fishers. Coastal communities dependent on seafood production for their livelihoods demand immediate practical adaptations to build climate change resilience and increase their adaptive capacity. Adaptation practices such as adjusting catch levels or shifting management following species movement helps fishers to be more climate resilient. Climate change mitigation is supported by increasing fuel efficiency through lower field consumption and low impact fishing gears. Addressing climate change could include increasing energy efficiency and reducing emissions.