Covid-19 also in Zanzibar

20.03.2020

Our activities are not spared from the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other things, we had to pause our fisheries management program which relies heavily on workshops with the local authorities and fisheries committees as well as meetings with large numbers of people. The aim of our efforts is to regularly implement squid closed seasons and to establish no fishing zones under local management.

We also had to pause our evaluation project for the establishment of sea cucumber farming in Muyuni. This would also include various meetings with the village government and the local fishing committee. In a small feasibility study, we have identified a suitable location to set-up 10-20 sea cucumber farms in cooperation with the government and various project partners. However, preparations for a pilot phase can only start once the community of Muyuni is 'on board'.

>> Video about the cultivation of sea cucumbers in Madagascar

The sponge farming and coral reforestation continues. The independent sponge farmers and the coral farmers can continue their work provided strict hygiene standards and social distancing measures are followed.

Only one problem arises. Zanzibar has closed its borders for tourists meaning that the local market for natural sponges has collapsed. marinecultures.org has therefore decided to buy the products from the farmers and sell the sponges in Europe for the time being. The women farmers need the income for the survival of their families. Zanzibar’s economy which relies to 80% on tourism is badly hit and tourists are not expected to come back instantly once flights will possible again.

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