A new Mtwara Seascape Multi-Stakeholder Forum has been launched in Tanzania to strengthen marine conservation, improve coordination among stakeholders, and promote sustainable opportunities within the country’s growing blue economy.
The forum brings together government institutions, local communities, research organizations, civil society groups, and private sector actors to work together in protecting Mtwara’s marine and coastal ecosystems. The initiative aims to create a shared platform for addressing environmental challenges while supporting sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.
Mtwara’s coastline plays a vital role in supporting food security, employment, and economic development. However, challenges such as fragmented management systems, limited coordination, illegal fishing, mangrove degradation, marine pollution, and climate change impacts continue to threaten the region’s marine resources.
The newly established forum will strengthen collaboration between stakeholders responsible for fisheries, marine conservation, forestry, water resources, and local governance. By improving coordination and accountability, the platform is expected to support better management of coastal resources and contribute to Tanzania’s Blue Economy agenda.
The initiative was developed through extensive consultations involving government agencies, Beach Management Units, Collaborative Fisheries Management Areas, researchers, non-governmental organizations, private sector representatives, women, youth, and coastal communities. These discussions highlighted the need for a unified approach to maximize conservation efforts and community benefits.
Supported by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) through the European Union-funded Pamoja Tuhifadhi Bahari Yetu (Bahari Yetu) Project, the forum will help coordinate conservation activities, promote sustainable fisheries, protect biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience.
The Mtwara Seascape approach recognizes that healthy marine ecosystems and sustainable economic development are closely connected. By combining conservation efforts with livelihood opportunities, the initiative aims to ensure that marine resources continue to benefit current and future generations.
The launch marks an important step toward stronger marine governance in Mtwara and reflects growing efforts to balance environmental protection with sustainable development across Tanzania’s coastal regions.
