Restoring Mangroves for Coastal Climate Resilience in Pemba

Our project focuses on the restoration of degraded mangrove ecosystems in Pemba Island, Tanzania, as a nature-based solution to climate change and coastal livelihood challenges. Mangroves in this landscape have been significantly degraded due to anthropogenic pressures such as unsustainable wood harvesting, coastal development, and land-use changes. This degradation has weakened coastal protection systems and reduced the ecological balance of nearshore marine environments.

The loss of mangrove ecosystems has contributed to increasing vulnerability to climate change impacts, particularly rising ocean temperatures and coastal ecosystem instability. These changes are directly affecting marine-based livelihoods, especially seaweed farming, which is widely practiced by women in coastal communities. Seaweed farming is a key source of income and household food security, with women serving as the primary breadwinners in many coastal households.

Our project responds to this interconnected challenge by restoring mangrove ecosystems to improve coastal resilience, regulate microclimates, and support healthier marine conditions that are essential for sustainable seaweed farming. Through community-led restoration, we aim to re-establish mangrove cover, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen the ecological functions that protect coastal waters.

The project is led by Women in Nature Tanzania in collaboration with local women seaweed farmers, youth groups, and coastal communities. Activities include mangrove restoration planning, nursery establishment, community training, awareness creation, and participatory planting and monitoring. Women are at the center of implementation, ensuring that restoration is directly linked to livelihood improvement and community well-being.

By restoring mangroves, the project not only rebuilds a critical coastal ecosystem but also strengthens climate resilience, protects marine resources, and supports sustainable seaweed farming systems that are vital for women’s income and local economic stability.

Our long-term goal is to scale this initiative into a community-driven coastal restoration model that integrates mangrove conservation and sustainable aquaculture across Pemba Island and beyond.