Success of local conservation initiatives – how a coral reef was saved

Sukces lokalnych inicjatyw ochronnych – jak ocalono rafę koralową

Coral reefs, although they occupy only 0.2 percent of the surface of the ocean floor, constitute some of the planet’s most diverse and crucial ecosystems. Despite their great value, many of them are endangered due to climate change and human activity. An example of a reef that until recently was on the verge of extinction is the reef around Mnemba Island in the Zanzibar archipelago. Three years ago, her future was uncertain, but thanks to the determination of local communities and effective conservation efforts, her fate was turned around. Today, thanks to these efforts, the reef has been restored, a testament to the effectiveness of local conservation initiatives.

Causes of coral degradation around Mnemba Island

In 2021. Mnemba Atoll, which stretches 7 kilometers around the island in the Indian Ocean, has begun to show signs of degradation. Rising ocean temperatures due to climate change have contributed to the phenomenon of coral fading, also known from the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Coral fading is due to the loss of zooxanthellae – symbiotic algae that nourish corals through photosynthesis. As a result, corals lose their colors and may die.

In addition to climatic factors, human activity, including intensive fishing near Mnemba, has had a significant impact on the degradation of the atoll. These practices have led to a significant decline in fish populations, which has destabilized the coral reef ecosystem. Fish are key to maintaining the balance of the ecosystem, as they regulate algae populations and contribute to nutrient circulation and stabilize reef structure. The use of dynamite techniques by fishermen further led to structural damage to the reef. The condition of the reef has also been affected by the increasing number of tourists and divers who, without following the proper rules, have damaged the delicate coral structures.

A three-pronged effort to protect Zanzibar’s reefs

The threat of complete extinction of the coral reefs surrounding Mnemba Island could cause drastic and long-lasting consequences not only for the local marine ecosystem, but also for the economy and communities living in the region. Its disappearance would mean the loss of basic livelihoods for local residents, which could force them to migrate en masse in search of new life opportunities. Faced with this crisis, in 2021, local communities initiated a partnership with environmental organizations such as &Beyond and the Africa Foundation to restore the dying reef.

As part of the measures taken, one of the key initiatives turned out to be the establishment of underwater coral nurseries. On specially prepared steel structures placed on the seabed, trained local divers were engaged in growing young coral fragments. Once they had grown enough, these young corals were moved and placed in damaged parts of the reef. This process, although requiring considerable time and precision, gradually produced visible results in the regeneration of damaged areas of the reef.

In addition, to enhance the restoration process and increase biodiversity, cultured corals were also installed on artificially created steel and stone structures. These new structures, located about 3 kilometers off the island’s coast, not only expanded the area of coral cover, but also offered new habitats for various species of fish and other marine organisms.

In addition to this, measures on the tourism industry have been implemented to help reduce pressure on the reef ecosystem. Local authorities, in cooperation with NGOs, have designated the area around Mnemba as protected, limiting the number of tourists visiting the reef from 400 to 80 per day and raising fees from $3 to $25. These solutions have yielded positive results – fewer tourists mean less risk of damage, and higher fees provide additional funds for environmental protection.

The initiative also included educational campaigns aimed at fishermen to raise their awareness of sustainable practices. Thanks to these measures, local communities have begun to use more environmentally friendly fishing methods, in addition to the designation of no-take areas.

Mnembie Island gives us an example of how we can protect coral reefs

The undoubted success of the conservation project on Mnemba, which has been in operation since its start in September 2021. contributed to the restoration of 80 percent. extent of the reef, inspired the Zanzibar authorities to expand the initiative to other endangered areas. It is planned to implement similar conservation measures in areas where coral reef ecosystems, supporting diverse marine life, also require urgent intervention.

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