As efforts to re-energize East Africa’s blue economy get underway, ocean protection and conservation remain a key factor. The region takes pride in its rich marine biodiversity, which positively impacts various economic activities, including fishing and tourism in the region.
However, the East African coast, according to the recently-launched Kilindini Campaign—an initiative led by Ascending Africa, a conservation firm—faces challenges towards achieving protection and conservation goals, among them overfishing, ocean pollution, inadequate security, and illegal fishing.
“We have a responsibility of curbing these challenges, and restoring marine life,” says Tendai Mtana, spokesperson for the Kilindini Campaign. “Everyone has a role of protecting the future of the East African Coast, and we call upon the governments and all other like-minded bodies to step up every effort to support the roles of MPAs in East Africa.”
Mtana adds that ocean conservation and protection focuses on protecting marine ecosystems and biodiversity through initiatives like Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), community-led conversations, and research. Now, the region’s MPAs serve to protect marine biodiversity, protect habitats, as well as support sustainable resource management by human activities.
“MPAs have been established throughout the world for a variety of purposes. Among them are conservation, tourism, and education. In East Africa’s blue economy, MPAs offer one of the best options to maintain our oceans’ health and avoid further degradation,” says Mtana.
Kenya’s MPAs cover four marine national parks and six marine reserves. They include national parks and reserves like Mombasa Marine Park and Reserve, Malindi Marine National Park and Reserve, Kisite Mpunguti Marine National Park and Reserve, Watamu Marine National Park and Reserve, and Kiunga Marine National Park and Reserve.
Tanzania and Zanzibar have several marine protected areas, including marine parks and reserves. They include Mnazi Bay Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park (MBREMP), Tanga Coelacanth Marine Park, mangrove forest reserves extending along the five coastal regions of Tanga, Coast, Dar es Salaam, Lindi, and Mtwara, as well as Chwaka Bay, Misali, Mnemba and Chumbe Islands, and Menai Bay in Zanzibar.
Mtana goes on to say that community engagement is critical, as it empowers local communities to manage resources sustainably and fosters a sense of ownership for marine ecosystems.
“By involving communities in conservation planning and management, their livelihoods can be improved through sustainable resource use, ecotourism, and other initiatives. Conservation projects can provide training and capacity-building opportunities for local communities, enabling them to manage their resources effectively and participate in monitoring and research,” he says.
In Tanzania, the Marine Parks and Reserves Act calls for the institutionalization of Village Liaison Committees (VLCs) in each village located within Marine Protected Areas to promote public participation and representation of local communities in MPA management activities.
Kenya has seen the establishment of Community Conserved Areas (CCAs), where local communities take on the responsibility of protecting previously used fishing grounds, leading to improved reef health, reduced over-exploitation, and better livelihoods.
Research plays a crucial role in East African ocean conservation and protection by providing the data and knowledge needed to understand and address threats, inform policies, and support sustainable management of marine resources and ecosystems.
“Research entails understanding the ecosystems, monitoring and assessment, informing policy and management, supporting sustainable practices, as well as capacity building,” notes Mtana.
The Kilindini Campaign aims to promote sustainable fisheries management, enhance coastal community involvement, and leverage innovative technologies to safeguard the future of the Indian Ocean.
“We shall achieve this through collaborations with stakeholders in the implementation of quotas, seasonal fishing bans, and community-driven conservation efforts to restore fish stocks and protect the livelihoods of fishermen,” concludes Mtana.
Together, through collective action and forward-thinking solutions, we can ensure that our oceans remain vibrant, resilient, and abundant for generations to come. The success of the Kilindini Campaign will depend not only on policy, but on the shared commitment of communities, stakeholders, and every individual who depends on the sea.
