Imagine dipping into clear waters alive with colorful fish and coral—now know those reefs have fresh protection. On June 10, 2025, Tanzania announced two new marine protected areas around Pemba Island: the North-East Pemba Conservation Area (837 km²) and the South-East Pemba Conservation Area (468 km²), together over 1,300 km² of vital habitat safeguarded from destructive fishing.
Why It Matters Locally
Over 4,000 residents across 43 villages shaped these zones through one of Zanzibar’s largest consultations, ensuring rules balance sustainable fishing, reef restoration spots, and community-managed areas. Healthier reefs boost nearby fish stocks, supporting household incomes and food security. Mangroves and seagrasses within the MPAs buffer shorelines against storms and store carbon, helping local resilience to climate change.
Why It Matters to You
Even if you live far from Pemba, thriving oceans benefit everyone: they sustain global fisheries, stabilize weather by absorbing CO₂, and support biodiversity that underpins healthy marine ecosystems. This inclusive, science-based approach shows how communities and governments can work together to protect nature while securing livelihoods..
Learn more: Tanzania Declares Two New MPAs in Pemba Island Biodiversity Hotspot. Consider supporting ocean-friendly choices—reducing plastic waste, choosing sustainable seafood, or sharing this success story. When distant communities secure their seas, we all gain cleaner air, steadier food supplies, and a healthier planet.