US launches $8.4 million biodiversity project in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam. The US yesterday launched an $8.4 million project that is aimed at conserving coastal and marine biodiversity.

Known as USAID Heshimu Bahari (Respect the Ocean), the project will also seek to strengthen the fisheries value chain in Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar.

At the official launch of the project in Dar es Salaam yesterday, the US second gentleman, Mr Douglas Emhoff, said the USAID Heshimu Bahari project will also help to reduce the issue of Gender Based Violence (GBV), improve the livelihoods of communities, reduce discrimination against women, and conquer climate change.

Mr Emhoff, who is the husband of US Vice President Kamala Harris, said millions of people could be displaced due to the climate crisis. “The time is now for collection,” he said. He said discussions with women in the fishing and marine sectors have shown that most of them face barriers and are still underpaid, and therefore, the funds address the gender gaps.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development, Dr Daniel Mushi, said the government of Tanzania was impressed with the US’ initiative in supporting the coastal and marine biodiversity in Tanzania, which brings together a diversity of key marine and coastal stakeholders.

“Our convening today demonstrates our commitment towards Sustainable Development Goal 14, which deals with the conservation of marine and coastal resources,” he said, adding that it signified the potential of Tanzania’s Blue Economy to address community empowerment, social equity, private sector investments, support livelihoods, and enhance food security.

The Principal Secretary from the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries in the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Mr Aboud Jumbe, said Tanzania was facing challenges such as over fishing and climate change that were affecting the country’s ability to conserve marine and coastal biodiversity and sustainably manage its fisheries resources.

He said the government has designated a variety of marine protected areas throughout the coastal waters, from its northern border with Kenya to its southern border with Mozambique.

The network, he said, was comprised of marine conservation areas, collaborative fishery management areas, and marine parks and reserves.

“This network covers approximately 80 percent of the mainland coastline and approximately 70 percent of Zanzibar….We are confident that these efforts will gradually enhance biodiversity,” he said.