PROGRESS REPORT AUGUST-DECEMBER 2023
CONTENTS
Message from the Government
Since August 2023, the Ministry of Blue Economy & Fisheries (MBEF) of Zanzibar and Blue Alliance Marine Protected Areas (BA) have launched their partnership in a long-term agreement for the collaborative management of the Pemba Channel Conservation Area’s (PECCA) Blue Corridor The principal objective is to contribute to the Blue Economy of the island, direct livelihoods and food security of an estimated 8,000 households, and increased climate change resilience by improving the protection of 18,000 hectares of spectacular coral reef ecosystems. This is exactly what President of Zanzibar and the Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, had said on the path towards Sustainable Blue Economy that it depends on the collective efforts from all partners to ensure coastal and marine ecosystems are well maintained
This partnership aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) 1, 5, 8, 13, 14, and 17, addressing poverty, gender equality, decent work, climate action, life below water, and partnerships Performance will be assessed against best practice impact standards All of which are monitored by the co-management team
Through a collaborative management structure, which is currently being built, the Ministry of Blue Economy & Fisheries and Blue Alliance work together in four fundamental fields of operation: Community development through employment, micro-enterprise, and empowerment; Marine wildlife monitoring and conservation through robust science; Revenue stream development through sustainable tourism, sustainable fisheries, and responsible aquaculture; and Compliance through supporting patrols, community engagement, and awareness campaigns.
This multi-faceted approach will not only bolster PECCA's financial sustainability but also stimulate local economies, create employment opportunities, enhance visitor experiences, and fortify the long-term management of the Conservation Area.
In this agreement, the Blue Alliance team together with MBEF, Shehias Fishing Committees, and other stakeholders have already implemented a number of activities as described in this report They have been centred as a team on fighting destructive illegal fishing and helping overfished stock recover, protecting endangered marine turtles, reducing bycatch of threatened species, and protecting coral reefs. The team has regularly monitored the COTS (Crown of Thorns Starfish) to prevent any outbreak.
On the scientific programme, we welcome the fact that the catch per unit effort (CPUE) data collection at four selected sites in the Shehia of Makangale has been initiated by BA and MBEF is in need of the whole process initiated to discuss the best working modalities for performance in strategic areas, not only on those 4 Shehias selected above, but also in the whole mandated 12 Shehias This will help to a better understanding of day-to-day status of the resources available through effective monitoring
Regarding the community’s participation in the inclusion process developed through our four pillars of intervention, it should be noted that the KASA center project implemented by our partner, the Kwanini Foundation, focuses on empowering local communities through educational awareness programmes, no-interest eco-loans, and technical assistance to foster personal development and income-generating, nature-positive enterprises Furthermore, plastic waste in Makangale is tackled through the KASA center and residents are being paid to make ecobricks using recycled plastic waste found in the fields, streets, and beaches of Makangale. The ecobricks will then be used as building materials to construct our KASA training center
During this period considered in the report, MBEF and Blue Alliance have also organized continuing training sessions on swimming, starting with two female rangers at Manta Resort as well as 15 female seaweed farmers in Vumawimbi. The exercise is ongoing for more participants. Awareness training on fisheries regulations of six Shehia Fisher Committees (SFC) in Tondooni, Msuka West and East, Gando, Fundo, and Makangale were also conducted during this reporting period
With these SFCs and the Pemba Channel Conservation Area (PECCA), Blue Alliance and MBEF have implemented joint patrols of about 600 hours to survey the illegal practices in the Conservation Area In December, the joint patrol was conducted with participation of the KMKM (Zanzibar Anti-Smuggling Unit) coastal guard for the first time and even received support from the District Commissioner herself This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the efforts to protect Pemba's precious marine ecosystem.
We highly welcome and value this spirit of collaboration that drives our partnership towards a common purpose We hope to see these joint initiatives develop and structured to guarantee a high level of efficiency and professionalism in the effective implementation of the Service Agreement Thank you
Dr. Hamza, Salim Moh’d Officer In-Charge
Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, Pemba
ABOUT BLUE ALLIANCEMARINE PROTECTED AREAS
Blue Alliance - Marine Protected Areas (previously Blue finance) is working with governments and local partners to build and manage self-sustaining Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to regenerate threatened coral reef biodiversity and improve the lives of local communities. Blue Alliance builds innovative Blue Economy reef-positive businesses to alleviate poverty and generate long-term income for MPAs.
As of 2023, Blue Alliance and its partners manage 4 MPA networks - preserving 1,000,000 hectares of high-biodiverse coral reefs, protecting more than 40 endangered species and improving the livelihoods of more than 20,000 coastal community members in Zanzibar, Indonesia, Belize, and the Philippines.
Turneffe Atoll
Marine Reserve
Belize
North Pemba
Pemba Channel Conservation Area
Philippines
North Mindoro MPA
Indonesia
Banggai Conservation Area
ZANZIBAR PEMBA CHANNEL CONSERVATION AREA
50% of Tanzania’s reefs are found around Pemba Island, and the Pemba Channel Conservation Area (PECCA) features around 90,500 hectares of high-biodiverse coral reef, mangroves, and seagrass beds. Thanks to cool water upwellings from the deep Pemba Channel, which separates the island of Pemba from mainland Tanzania, Pemba Island's coral reefs serve as a potential climate change refuge. Pemba's unique marine environment hosts more than 40 threatened marine species, such as critically endangered Napoleon fish, Blue bumphead parrotfish, green and hawksbill sea turtles, reef manta ray, dugong, and the endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphin. The Pemba Channel boasts the highest cetacean abundance and diversity in the region. Pemba’s marine ecosystems have a positive impact on more than 20,000 coastal community households
Photo©JesperAnhede
BLUE ALLIANCE PECCA
Our work enhances the sustainable use of 26,000 hectares of marine biodiversity in one of the world's most biodiverse regions. We aim to uplift over 8,000 households from poverty, ensuring food security and boosting climate resilience.
PECCA encompasses the following three interconnected marine ecosystems:
Mangroves
Seagrass
Coral Reefs
BLUE ALLIANCE PECCA TEAM
Our team works to enhance the sustainable use of 26,000 hectares of marine biodiversity in one of the world's most biodiverse regions and uplifting over 8,000 households from poverty, ensuring food security and boosting climate resilience.
Suleiman Kombo Ali OPERATIONS MANAGER
Sharif Hamad Issa SCIENCE OFFICER
Ainess Shoo OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
Suleiman Said Rashid AQUACULTURE OFFICER
Hassan Mohamed Rashid HEAD RANGER
Khamis Juma Khamis HEAD RANGER
Mohamed Abdulla Mohamed BLUE ALLIANCE PECCA SENIOR ADVISER
BLUE ALLIANCE GLOBAL TEAM
Our global executive team supports local MPA management organisations through a comprehensive mix of expertise in effective co-management and sustainable finance The collective experience of our global executive team:
30+ years MPA operational management
40+ years Coral reef and fisheries science
30+ years Reef-positive businesses and ecotourism
30+ years Creative marketing and digital solutions
20+ years Carbon certification projects
Angelique Brathwaite DIRECTOR CONSERVATION & SCIENCE & CO-FOUNDER
Gary Lotter ECOTOURISM DIRECTOR
Daniel Sadd FISHERY BIOLOGIST
Olivia Grubenmann COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Elisabeth Winter DIRECTOR FINANCE & HUMAN RESOURCES
Arnaud Gotanegre CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER (COO)
Nicolas Pascal EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & CO-FOUNDER
OUR MANDATE FROM THE GOVERNMENT
As of August 2023, Blue Alliance PECCA is co-managing the northern part of the Pemba Channel Conservation Area (PECCA), covering 26,000 hectares of spectacular coral reef ecosystems, through a 5-year renewable co-management agreement with the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
OUR GOVERNANCE
In August 2023, the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries (MBEF) of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar signed an agreement with our local entity, the non-profit Blue Alliance PECCA, for the delegated management of the Pemba Channel Conservation Area. The renewable agreement runs for a duration of five years and defines a clear distribution of roles and obligations in the day-to-day management of the conservation area. The MBEF aims at promoting economic growth, social inclusion, and the improvement of the livelihoods of Zanzibaris while ensuring the preservation of environmental sustainability in the oceans and coastal areas. The MBEF is responsible for interventions in two key priority areas, namely empowering local people to benefit from embracing the Blue Economy; and accelerating the structural transformation of Zanzibar's economy through bankable and sustainable investments in the Blue Economy.
This partnership enhances the protection of 26,000 hectares of spectacular coral reef ecosystems, improves the livelihoods and food security of an estimated 8,000 coastal community households (most of them below poverty level) and increases climate change resilience. Blue Alliance PECCA is implementing a number of sustainable Blue Economy initiatives. A focus is the inclusion of local communities in the development of communitybased aquaculture facilities, ecotourism programmes and fishery improvement projects.
Blue Alliance PECCA’s activities are approved by local authorities and guided by a Stakeholder Advisory Committee (SAC). As a mechanism of participation in the planning, management, and monitoring of the MPA, the SAC is comprised of representatives from government agencies and experts from academia, and other organizations.
PROGRESS IN NUMBERS
26,000 ha with enhanced biodiversity protection and control of destructive and unsustainable fishing activities
1,300 ha coral reef ecosystem aided in recovery
40 threatened species beginning to increase in number
40+ coastal community members with enhanced livelihoods
600+ Hours of surveillance patrols conducted
4+ reef-positive businesses in development in the Blue Economy
OUR IMPACT IN THE FIELD
FIGHTING DESTRUCTIVE ILLEGAL FISHING
We are fighting against destructive, unsustainable fishing activities through (i) enhanced 24/7/365 surveillance programs, conducted with the local authorities and fishing committees; (ii) long-term community engagement programmes to increase awareness; (iii) offering alternative livelihoods for coastal fishermen in our reef-positive businesses, which reduces their fishing effort.
HELP OVERFISHED STOCKS RECOVER
We enhance control of fishing activities in the PECCA to make it sustainable Fishing activities are controlled in both the replenishment zones, the temporal closures and in all fishing grounds through joint patrols conducted with the authorities and local fishing committees In addition, we are combating the decline of specific species through the development of aquaculture hatcheries
PROTECTING THREATENED SEA TURTLES
We are dedicated to safeguarding all marine fauna, but hawksbill sea turtles (Critically Endangered) and green turtles (Vulnerable) are among our priorities in Pemba By preserving critical habitats such as nesting sites, reducing poaching, and raising awareness, we can help to ensure their survival.
REDUCING BYCATCH OF THREATENED SPECIES
We help reduce bycatch of threatened species by controlling destructive and illegal fishing practices, recommending more sustainable fishing gear and methods, and educating local fishing communities about the release of bycatch Our efforts will contribute to helping more than 40 threatened species to recover, like critically endangered Napoleon fish, reef manta rays, dugongs, and humpback dolphins.
Photo©ThomasVignaud Photo©KwaniniFoundationOUR IMPACT IN THE FIELD
MONITORING CROWN OF THORN STARFISH (COTS)
CoTS are predators that can reach infestation levels and denude coral cover very quickly The last major CoTS event was in 2008, but we monitor monthly so that we can have early warning and the opportunity to pro-actively deal with potential outbreaks.
REDUCTION OF PHYSICAL DESTRUCTION ON CORAL REEFS
Coral reef care is critical, and our reefs are the axis around which all our work evolves We fight the use of destructive fishing techniques, and drive coral reef protection awareness through marine conservation education for learners, scholars, community members, and visitors
PRESERVING MANGROVES FROM DEFORESTATION
Mangrove forests serve as natural carbon sinks that contribute to climate change mitigation. Our Blue Economy initiatives are focused on preserving and restoring mangrove forests and encouraging their protection via businesses and incentives that depend on thriving mangrove forests. We also introduce and support educational campaigns.
CREATION OF JOBS AND LIVELIHOODS FOR COASTAL FISHER HOUSEHOLDS
We create jobs with fishers becoming staff of the MPAs or reef-positive businesses such as ecotourism, community-based aquaculture, and mangrove restoration. We improve livelihoods for coastal fisher households through supporting small and medium enterprises in the Blue Economy and providing training programs, with a specific focus on empowering women and girls.
Photo©AlexanderMustard/OceanImageBank
Photo©JesperAnhede
OUR IMPACT IN THE FIELD
REDUCING POVERTY
Poverty leads directly to unsustainable fishing, pollution, the clearing of mangroves, and many forms of environmental degradation Besides creating jobs, we are empowering communities through trainings and providing micro-grants to get businesses “off the ground” This ranges from English and computer classes to swimming lessons, dive certifications, aquaculture, and farming improvements.
INTRODUCING RESPONSIBLE ECOTOURISM PRACTICES
Through our ecotourism division BlueWild Ecoventures, we train local dive industry stakeholders to implement the internationally recognized “Green fins” code of conduct for responsible diving and snorkeling In addition, we introduce experiences for mindful travelers and education programs
INCREASING CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE AND CONTRIBUTING TO CLIMATE MITIGATION
By enhancing the health of natural coastal and marine ecosystems, our work protects coastal communities from the impacts of extreme weather events and contributes to climate change mitigation. Reducing local ill confer additional resilience to ange for coral reef ecosystems
ON OF LAND-BASED ON
eeply concerned about land-based
We are engaging with communities ative companies and working with programs to support mitigation ms and implement responsible
HOW WE WORK IN THE FIELD OUR 4 MAIN FIELDS OF OPERATION
Our activities are based on our cohesive four-pillars approach which provides a secure foundation for MPA development. Our innovative approach to marine conservation merges effective co-management of the MPAs, reef-positive businesses, and conservation practices based on solid science. Our four main fields of operation:
SCIENCE & CONSERVATION
Wildlife monitoring and conservation through robust science.
blue carbon projects, and community-based aquaculture
COMNUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Community development through employment, reefpositive businesses, and empowerment
COMPLIANCE
Compliance and enforcement through patrolling, community engagement, and awareness campaigns
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Photo©SofiSugiharto
PECCA MILESTONES 2023
From the many activities and advancements since August 2023, we present a selection of milestones from each of our four main fields of operation.
SIGNING OF THE CO-MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
On August 21st 2023, our local sister entity, Blue Alliance Zanzibar, and the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar signed a long-term collaborative management agreement for the northern part of the Pemba Channel Conservation Area (PECCA). This agreement aims to protect 26,000 hectares of marine ecosystems destructive and unsustainable fishing activities and contribute to the island's Blue Economy, marking a relevant milestone in our shared mission to manage MPAs effectively and sustainably
Science & Conservation Community Development Compliance Reef-positive businessesSCIENCE & CONSERVATION
We monitor fish and shark populations, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests to determine ecosystem health and changes over time and track the impact of our management interventions. We implement direct conservation programs in and around our MPAs. Through funder support, we are also exploring new methods for monitoring. Our key scientific programmes include:
Sea turtle nesting monitoring, set-up of hatcheries, and monitor training
Crown of Thorns (CoTS) monitoring and collection programme
Reduction of bycatch through recommending more sustainable fishing gear
Biophysical assessments of reef fish, as well as coral, mangrove, and seagrass ecosystems
Underwater surveys of commercial fish species
Fish catch monitoring programme/Fish landing surveys
Experimental CPUE (catch per unit effort) monitoring programme
Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS) (planned for mid-2024)
FISH-I© technology for AI-powered assessments of fish identification and determination of biomass (planned for mid-2024)
Use of environmental eDNA (planned for mid-2024)
FISH CATCH MONITORING
We conduct fish catch monitoring programmes through fish landing surveys and regular interviews with fishers. This helps us further our understanding of local fisheries and their impact on marine ecosystems, as well as getting indicators of fishing efforts and the use of new fishing gear. Fish landings are an important way of assessing the bycatch of threatened species In Pemba, we started the catch per unit effort (CPUE) data collection at four selected sites in Makangale Shehia.
WORLD FOOD DAY EXHIBITION
BA PECCA took part in the Food Day Exhibition as part of the World Food Day, which aims to raise awareness about food security worldwide. We provided information on the Blue Economy in Pemba, including marine conservation, marine safety, and the sustainable use of marine resources BA exhibited illegal fishing gears, fish traps, small mesh nets, spear guns, and monofilament nets, to raise awareness on the importance of sustainable fishing and marine conservation
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COTS MONITORING PROGRAMME
In August 2023, we started monitoring Crown of Thorn Starfish (CoTS) on the house reef of the Manta Resort in Pemba, with the aim of expanding to the entire Blue Corridor. Prior to this, the local Blue Alliance team received a comprehensive CoTS monitoring training, which we are planning to also provide to the members of each Shehia, in the future. Our plan is to have a dedicated team, consisting of members from Blue Alliance PECCA, and the SFC, to conduct monthly monitoring efforts. We will start in Makangale Shehia and aim to expand to other Shehias in the future.
WHY IS THIS MONITORING IMPORTANT?
The health of coral reefs is essential for countless marine species and supports local communities that depend on these ecosystems for their livelihoods Crown of Thorn Starfish (CoTS) are natural predators of hard corals and their overpopulation can have detrimental impacts on the reefs. By closely monitoring their numbers and locations, we can take timely action to protect our precious reefs
Photo© WarrenBaverstock/OceanImageBank
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
We work closely with government, partners, and local communities to identify and develop Blue Economy revenue models with the potential to sustainably increase the resilience of both marine ecosystems and coastal community livelihoods.
Our key community development programmes include:
Supporting new jobs and businesses for communities in community-based aquaculture, ecotourism, and sustainable fishing
Enhancing existing aquaculture activities to make them more sustainable and profitable for local communities
Incubating and accelerating micro-businesses within coastal communities
Job opportunities for local community rangers
Community empowerment and education to enhance entrepreneurship capabilities
Swimming and SCUBA lessons for the local community
Community empowerment and education with a focus on women
KASA (LIVELIHOOD) PRGRAMME
TACKLING PLASTIC WASTE
We are tackling plastic waste in Makangale through the Kasa centre. Residents are being paid to make Ecobricks using plastic waste found in the fields, streets, and beaches of Makangale The Ecobricks will then be used to construct our Kasa training centre, making its construction a workshop to show how residents can use recycled, free materials for construction By turning trash into something useful, we're not only addressing plastic waste but also empowering the local community.
In collaboration with our local partner:
The Kasa Center, implemented by our partner Kwanini foundation focuses on empowering local communities through educational programs, no-interest ecoloans, and technical assistance to foster personal development and incomegenerating, nature-positive enterprises. With the vision of harmonizing economic entrepreneurship, prosperity, and nature protection, Kasa helps Pembans to become more resilient to climate, economic, and social challenges.
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Women Empowered in Marine Conservation and Blue Economy
Blue Alliance oranised swimming training sessions for two female rangers at Manta Resort as well as several female seaweed farmers in Vumawimbi. As part of our aquaculture projects, we aimed to equip these women with the necessary skills for deep seaweed farming.
By empowering the women of Vumawimbi with swimming skills and knowledge about deep seaweed farming, we are not only promoting gender equality but also creating opportunities for economic growth and environmental sustainability in and around Pemba.
SCUBA DIVING TRAINING FOR OUR RANGERS
With the support of Manta Resort, Blue Alliance PECCA organised scuba diving training for two of our rangers Our rangers are involved in activities such as patrolling, monitoring and collecting Crown-of-Thorns starfish, and assisting with fish landing documentation These scuba diving trainings will not only help our team members enhance their skills and knowledge, but they also contribute to our mission of protecting Pemba's marine ecosystems By enabling them to explore the underwater world and gain a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems, they will be able to make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
Photo©KwaniniFoundationCOMPLIANCE
Our role as an official co-management entity is to enhance compliance with fishery and environmental laws and regulations. We do this through surveillance and long-term community engagement programs. One of our major management interventions is to assist the enforcement of illegal and destructive fishing methods. We do this through joint patrols consisting of local police and military representatives, enforcers from Shehia fishing committees, and our own rangers.
Our key compliance programmes include:
Joint 24/7/365 surveillance patrols with local authorities
Demarcation of PECCA and special zones through highly visible marker buoys on MPA boundaries (planned for Q1 2024)
Comprehensive, ongoing training in anti-poaching techniques and apprehension for MPA and fishery law violations
Digital solutions to advance monitoring efforts with the EarthRanger surveillance tool
Logistical and equipment support
TRAINING ON FISHERIES REGULATIONS
Blue Alliance PECCA conducted a training with six Shehia Fisher Committees (SFC) in Tondooni, Msuka West and East, Gando, Fundo, and Makangale The focus was to build awareness and capacity on existing fisheries regulations. Participants learned about the importance of adhering to fisheries regulations and the potential consequences of non-compliance They gained insights into sustainable fishing practices and the role they play in ensuring a thriving marine ecosystem.
RAISING AWARENESS ON ILLEGAL AND DESTRUCTIVE FISHING
PECCA rangers are regularly talking to fishers to raise awareness. We are working together with officers from Shehia Fisher Committee (SFC) and the Pemba Channel Conservation Area (PECCA) to combat illegal practices in our Marine Protected Area These joint patrols are crucial in preserving the marine ecosystem and protecting the biodiversity that thrives in the PECCA
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Joint Patrols with Local Authorities
Blue Alliance PECCA teamed up with the Shehia Fisher Committee (SFC) and the Pemba Channel Conservation Area (PECCA) to combat illegal practices in the Marine Protected Area. In December, the joint patrol also included the KMKM (Zanzibar navy) coastal guard for the first time and even received support from the District Commissioner herself. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our efforts to protect Pemba's precious marine ecosystem.
If we don't take care our marine sanctuaries, habitats and breeding grounds of fish will be gone. It is important to protect them for the future generations.
REEF-POSITIVE BUSINESSES
Blue Alliance PECCA aims to become self-sustaining through the development of a pipeline of reef-positive businesses in and around the Blue Economy. These sustainable businesses will improve the livelihood of coastal communities, reduce threats to marine biodiversity, and create tangible revenue streams for reinvestment directly back into Blue Alliance.
Key sustainable revenue generation initiatives include:
Establishing a sea cucumber hatchery and grow-out community-based aquaculture
Establishing a mangrove crab hatchery and grow-out extensive aquaculture
The Underwater Room at the Manta Resort
Wildlife ecotourism
Fishery supply chain improvement
Blue carbon credits sold through restoration and conservation of mangroves
LAUNCH OF THE GROUNDBRAKING PEMBA CORAL REEF SAFARI
In July 2023, our ecotourism branch, BlueWild EcoVentures, unveiled an innovative reef-positive initiative in Zanzibar, launching the Pemba Coral Reef Safari This initiative is blending a classic terrestrial safari with a captivating underwater experience and contributes 30% of its launch price to marine protection and local development The Pemba Coral Reef Safari was named the 'Regenerative Travel Experience' of the year and featured in CN Traveller's 2023 ‘Bright Ideas in Travel’.
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Photo©JesperAnhede
FISHERY SUPPLY CHAIN IMPROVEMENT
SAMAKI BLUU
Overfishing is gravely impacting our marine ecosystems. Fortunately, innovative initiatives are emerging with new sustainable business models. We are proud to announce the launch of Samaki Bluu, a reef-positive business improving fishery sustainability AND the livelihood of local fishers. Samaki Bluu champions seafood traceability, allowing customers to track the seafood they eat from its origin to their plate.
The organisation is working closely with small-scale fishing communities of Pemba Island to promote sustainable fishing practices, provide training on eco-friendly techniques, and focus on enhancing the traceability of the fisheries value chain. The result? High-quality seafood products from Pemba Island, caught using traditional practices that meet both ecological sustainability and social fairness standards. The fishing fleet of Samaki Bluu is composed of skilled fishermen from the local communities of Pemba, leveraging their deep knowledge of traditional fishing methods and expert handling and filleting techniques. The organisation has also established a robust cold chain system, which reduces waste and overfishing while enhancing fish quality and value.
Photos©SamakiBluuAQUACULTURE SEA CUCUMBER PROJECT
Blue Alliance PECCA will partner with Full Circle Company Ltd to create AQUAHUB Seacucumber Ltd. Full Circle Company Ltd is a Zanzibari incorporated aquaculture company whose directors have already undertaken 5 years of work developing the sea cucumber aquaculture industry in Zanzibar
AQUAHUB aims to develop a community sea cucumber mariculture industry in PECCA by channeling its sector experience and investment resources to create large scale, highly profitable and professional sea cucumber farms across multiple communities in the PECCA area. AQUAHUB will work hand in hand with multiple stakeholders, including local and national governance structures, producers groups and community development boards to ensure the farming model and farming activities are well understood and agreed upon by all engaged. AQUAHUB’s sea cucumber farming model seeks to place community-based producer groups at the very heart of the nascent sea cucumber farming industry, providing coastal communities access to a novel and highly profitable industry that can provide a wealth of Blue Economy incomes and dividends, while providing AQUAHUB a marketable product that can generate export revenue for the nation.
Expected Benefits and Outcomes
Creation of >100 full time jobs for PECCA residents
Creation of > 900 part time jobs for PECCA residents
Creation of 10 community fund for PECCA residents
Technical upskilling of PECCA residents in sustainable aquaculture practices
Recovery of stocks of sea cucumber in PECCA
Regeneration of >100 hectares of seagrass ecosystems
Significant export revenues
Financial support for the MPA activities of Blue Alliance PECCA
AQUACULTURE MANGROVE CRAB PROJECT
As part of the aquaculture projects, the team of Blue Alliance PECCA conducted approximately 40 hours of surveys around Pemba to assess potential sites for the development of a mangrove crab hatchery and grow-out culture. Some sites were found to be dormant and could potentially be developed.
OUR IMPACT AND SDG’S
Our work is focused on building significant long-term impacts here and now. Whether it is what we do today or build for the future, to us, it is always impact first. Our MPA work is aligned with the United Nations Development Programme’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are actively enabling ocean-positive environmental and societal impacts through:
Regeneration of coral reef ecosystems and endangered species – we focus on reducing harmful fishing practices through a combination of enhanced law enforcement, long-term community engagement programmes and developing alternative ways of earning a living.
Increasing climate change resilience and contributing to climate risk mitigation through improving the health of natural marine and coastal ecosystems, and protection for coastal communities from climate change-derived high-energy events.
Reduction of poverty – we help coastal communities to sustainable increase fishery productivity and to develop alternative sources of protein.
Growing sustainable tourism and small-scale aquaculture to create jobs.
Work towards gender equality via female-focused job creation and training.
Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
IMPACT METRICS
There are six identified and agreed upon Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that we monitor in PECCA
Protection of coral reef, seagrass, and mangrove ecosystems
Biomass of commercially important fish
Sustainable fishing productivity for fisher livelihood enhancement
Reef-positive business development
Job creation in Blue Alliance and reef-positive enterprises
Management effectiveness of the MPA
IMPACT MEASUREMENT
Through the support of our partners, we are implementing new impact measurement tools to improve impact metric methodology for the health of marine habitats around key areas such as sustainable fisheries, water quality, reef health, and tourism carrying capacity.
GOVERNMENT PARTNER
We help the Government deliver on its sustainability promises Blue Alliance is the local body responsible for carrying out all operational functions Management activities are aligned with government policy
By delegating the day-to day management of MPAs to Blue Alliance and our local partners, the Government can focus on core functions such as regulation and enforcement. They also have an oversight role, including approving the annual objectives and plans for each MPA, based on insights from an advisory committee made up of stakeholders. We work closely with local authorities as part of our proven co-management approach
MINISTRY OF BLUE ECONOMY AND FISHERIES, OF THE REVOLUTIONARY GOVERNMENT OF ZANZIBAR
STRATEGIC FUNDING PARTNERS
We work closely with our partners and regularly report on progress. We are grateful to the strategic, funding, Conservation & Blue Economy partners who enable and support our long-term impacts:
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Organization Name
Blue Alliance PECCA
Registered Office and Operational Address
Blue finance
12 Av. Draio de la Mar
13620 Carry-le Rouet, France
Blue Alliance PECCA
Panga Watoro, Plot 4 PO Box 22 Wete, Pemba, Zanzibar
