Climate Change Threatens Zanzibar’s Blue Economy and Livelihoods

Climate change poses a severe threat to Zanzibar’s blue economy, impacting fishing, tourism, and agriculture. With two-thirds of the population reliant on these sectors, urgent action is required to ensure food security and protect livelihoods. Coral reef destruction and erratic weather are significant concerns, as highlighted by officials during a recent workshop.

Zanzibar’s blue economy is facing significant threats due to climate change, including rising sea levels, destruction of coral reefs, saltwater intrusion, and unpredictable weather patterns. These factors are severely disrupting vital sectors such as fishing, tourism, and agriculture, all of which play a crucial role in the region’s economy.

Approximately two-thirds of Zanzibar’s population relies on the fishing and tourism industries for their livelihoods. During a Circular Economy workshop, Omar Mohamed, the coordination officer at the Ministry of Blue Economy, reported that climate change affects around 54% of the region’s populace, necessitating immediate actions to safeguard livelihoods and ensure food security.

Omar Mohamed highlighted the detrimental impact of coral reef destruction on both tourism and fisheries. He stated, “Coral reef destruction is crippling tourism and fisheries, while saltwater intrusion and erratic rainfall are jeopardizing freshwater sources and agricultural productivity.” The fishing sector contributes between 4% and 8% to GDP, while tourism represents over 29%.

Another official at the workshop, Mohamed Hamad, underscored the alarming decline in fish breeding grounds based on research and testimonials from fishermen. He advocated for decisive government intervention to address these issues, as reported by the Citizen Tanzania.

Zanzibar island is located in the Indian Ocean, merely 15 miles off the coast of Tanzania, and it is imperative for its officials and stakeholders to take swift action to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the blue economy.

In summary, Zanzibar’s blue economy faces significant challenges from climate change, affecting vital sectors such as fishing, tourism, and agriculture. With a large portion of the population reliant on these industries, urgent measures are crucial to protect livelihoods and ensure food security. The government’s proactive intervention will be essential in reversing the negative impacts on coral reefs and fish breeding grounds for sustainable development.

Original Source: globalsouthworld.com