Marine conservation on Tumbatu Island, Tanzania

Hello Seacology community,

As our work in Africa ramps up into the summer months, I wanted to take some time to talk about one of our projects there that you have supported, Tumbatu Island.

All of Seacology's projects include two main parts; an ecological aspect (typically a reef to protect, a forest to conserve, or more environmental practices adopted at the community level), as well as a social aspect (schools funded, energy resources, or tools to support local infrastructure). These portions are identified by the communities we serve, to find both what social impact would most benefit them positively, as well as what type of conservation they can perform feasibly. 

Over on Tumbatu Island, locals and Seacology have agreed upon a grant to support the creation of both a new conservation center as well as implementing mariculture training. In exchange, residents of Tumbatu Island will protect 2,229 acres of marine habitat for at least 20 years.

Seacology sent the first payment to Tumbatu Island for this project in early April. Later that month, local leaders and our partner for this project, the Tanzania Association of Foresters, held a joint meeting in the Jongowe Village  to inform community members about the initiative. Having also met with government officials at the village and district levels, Initial preparations for construction began on May 3 which included site measurements and foundation digging. While construction is currently underway, progress has been temporarily slowed by strong winds and waves.  

Thank you again for your support for Seacology and projects like this. Grassroot support likes yours and your community is what makes our work possible.

Links:

• Seacology Tumbatu Island
• Seacology Project Map
• Seacology Expeditions