Policy climate change and marine and coastal environment in Tanzania

Abstract

The coastline of Tanzania stretches over 800 kilometres from Tanga to Mtwara regions. Sustaining the marine and coastal environment is important in terms of economic improvement and the wellbeing of Tanzanians. It is rich in living resources such as coastal forests (e.g. mangroves), coral reefs, fisheries sea grass, and non - living resources like gas, beautiful beaches, minerals, rivers, and the ocean. Economically, the marine and coastal ecosystems provide employment and income to coastal people through fishing, beekeeping and ecotourism activities. Blessed with world-class coastal natural and cultural attractions, the potential for coastal tourism development in Tanzania is unlimited. Resources such as mangroves are sources of fuel wood, timber, building poles, tannin and fodder. Mangrove leaves and fruits are also used for medicinal purposes. The mangrove, seagrass beds, and coral reefs are major ecosystems in the coastal and marine environment, playing a crucial ecological role. These ecosystems are important habitats, breeding sites, nurseries and feeding grounds for a wide variety of living organisms. Amongst their many functions, the ecosystems protect the coast from erosion, filter dissolved chemicals from terrestrial environment that could harm the subsequent ecosystem, absorb carbon dioxide from atmosphere and trap sediment from terrestrial environment. It is estimated that 25% of Tanzania's population is hosted by the coastal environment. Most of the industries in Tanzania (75%) are located along the coast and the coast is the entry and exit point of major cargos of the country. The coast has been attracting a number of people from inland for employment, leading to increased coastal population. Climate change is threatening the coastal and marine environment. Critical ecosystems are also being threatened thus jeopardizing longterm provision of ecosystem services. This has therefore attracted the attention of all coastal inhabitants, the government and private sector to address threats emanating from climate change.