Zanzibar’s blue economy faces threats from climate change, affecting fishing, tourism, and agriculture. The population is significantly impacted, with calls for urgent action to protect livelihoods. Coral reef destruction and changing weather patterns jeopardize key resources, highlighting the need for government intervention.
Zanzibar’s blue economy faces significant threats from climate change, including rising sea levels, coral reef destruction, saltwater intrusion, and erratic weather patterns. These environmental changes adversely impact key sectors such as fishing, tourism, and agriculture, which are essential for the local economy.
The fishing and tourism industries are vital to Zanzibar, supporting nearly two-thirds of the local population. During a Circular Economy workshop, Omar Mohamed, the coordination officer at the Ministry of Blue Economy, highlighted that up to 54% of the population is impacted by these changes, necessitating immediate actions to safeguard livelihoods and food security.
“Coral reef destruction is crippling tourism and fisheries, while saltwater intrusion and erratic rainfall are jeopardizing freshwater sources and agricultural productivity,” stated Mr. Mohamed. He further mentioned that fishing contributes between 4% and 8% of the GDP, while over 29% comes from tourism, indicating the economic importance of these sectors.
Mohamed Hamad, another official present at the workshop, reiterated the concerning trend of declining fish breeding grounds, as corroborated by research and testimonies from fishermen. He underscored the urgency for decisive government intervention to address these pressing challenges, as reported by Citizen Tanzania.
Zanzibar is strategically located in the Indian Ocean, merely 15 miles from the Tanzanian coastline, making its blue economy especially vulnerable to the repercussions of climate change.
The threats posed by climate change to Zanzibar’s blue economy are profound, impacting fisheries and tourism while endangering livelihoods. Urgent action is required to address coral reef degradation and other environmental challenges, as these sectors account for a significant portion of the local economy. The concerted efforts of government and community stakeholders are essential to ensure sustainable resource management and protect the island’s economic future.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
