Marine conservation on Tumbatu Island, Tanzania

PROJECT PROGRESS
1. Construction of the Tumbatu Information Conservation Center (TIIC)
The construction of the TIIC has been completed, and the center is now fully operational. The facility
serves as a key resource for marine conservation education, hosting local community events and
training programs. The center is expected to benefit 18 village communities in Tumbatu and neighboring
areas, including Nungwi, Mkokotoni, Fukuchani, Kidoti, and Donge, as well as visitors, researchers, and
conservation trainees.

2. Training in Mariculture and Octopus Closure

Since its opening, the TIIC has hosted multiple training sessions on sustainable marine resource
management. In November 2024, a three-day training on sea cucumber farming was conducted for
fishers and women’s groups from Jongowe Village. As a result:

• Four community groups initiated new sea cucumber farming projects.
• Existing sea cucumber farms were strengthened with improved practices from the training.

3. Establishment of an Octopus Closure

On December 4, 2024, the Jongowe community established an octopus closure, following a training
session at the TIIC. The closure is currently being monitored, and there is optimism that it will serve as a
model for similar conservation efforts in other coastal areas.

4. Awareness and Sensitization Activities

The project facilitated an educational visit to Jozani fish farming ponds, where Jongowe community
members observed best practices in sea cucumber farming at the Kisakasaka farms. Additionally, the
TIIC has been a venue for NGOs to engage with local communities on conservation efforts.

The project has also garnered strong support from government authorities, including the District
Commissioner, who has been actively involved since its inception. This collaboration enhances the
project’s sustainability and ensures long-term benefits for marine conservation and community
livelihoods.

CONCLUSION

Through a combination of conservation efforts, sustainable mariculture, and community awareness, the
project is making tangible progress in protecting Tumbatu Island’s marine resources. With continued
community participation and institutional support, these initiatives will contribute to both ecological
preservation and improved livelihoods for Jongowe Village and surrounding communities.

Links:

• Seacology Project Map
• Seacology Expeditions
• Seacology Tumbatu Island

PROJECT OBJECTIVES
The project objectives are to conserve marine resources in Jongowe Village, Tumbatu Island, through working in collaboration with local communities, local institutions, and relevant stakeholders. To achieve this goal, the project will implement training programs for community members, with a particular focus on village leaders and those who directly benefit from marine resources at both the village and regional levels.

CURRENT STATE

The community marine resource conservation and information center has been built, with photos included! Training the community groups in mariculture techniqwues (sea cucumber farming, octopus, conservation and closure, seaweed farming) has been successful and continues. Fifty community members from 30 seaweed groups in Jongowe village have received
training on various aspects of seaweed. The training covered the types, species, and varieties of seaweed found and cultivated in Zanzibar, as well as the roles that seaweed plays in marine conservation. Participants also learned about the commercial value of seaweed and its significance as a food crop, along with its importance in medicine and human health.

STRENGTHENING LINK WITH OTHER CONSERVATION INSTITUTIONS– STUDY VISIT
Bweleo
A study visit to Bweleo village was conducted, allowing thirty women from Jongowe village to learn about various aspects of seaweed. They explored the types of seaweed grown in Zanzibar and its roles in marine conservation, as well as its commercial and medicinal values, and its importance as a food crop. Notably, the training included valuable insights into techniques for adding value to seaweed. Participants were shown how to create products such as soaps, seaweed powder, lotions, and food items. Additionally, they received guidance on processing seaweed and marketing its products.

Jozani

Thirty-six males and females from Tumbatu village participated in a workshop on natural resource conservation in Jozani Forest and National Park, as well as the surrounding areas. The villagers had the opportunity to learn about the benefit-sharing mechanisms of Jozani, community participation in conservation efforts, and the role of natural resources in national and community income. They also explored the importance of natural forests and their resources in environmental improvement, as well as the conservation of red colobus monkeys 

WAY FORWARD
The project is looking forward to: -
- Continue with trainings groups undertaking sea cucumber and octopus nursing.
- Strengthening links and collaborate with other conservation institutions.
- Finishing remaining works in the building that include wiring for electrification
- Conducting study visit to successful areas e.g. Turtle nesting, fish hatchery etc

Links:

• Seacology Tumbatu Island
• Seacology Project Map