Like most coastal communities in Zanzibar, fishing and tourism are the mainstays of Jambiani Village. But these industries are threatened – in Jambiani and all around Tanzania – in large part because of the rapid decline of coral reefs, which are are some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. In an effort to tackle this mounting problem, Mwambao and the Reefball Foundation are working with the local fisheries committee in Jambiani to pilot a “reefball” project in Jambiani, the first of its kind on the African continent.

“Reefballs” are artificial reefs that are proven to restore ailing coral reefs and create new fishing and tourism sites. For this project, 87 reefballs were constructed and deployed in an area suggested by the fisheries committee, which will become an extended part of the Menai Bay Conservation Area. Mwambao is supporting the Jambiani fisheries committee to develop management structures for this area, which includes developing by-laws and strengthening local capacity to manage this area and project. Mwambao received permission for this project from the Zanzibar fisheries authority, and if successful, it will not only assist in the recovery of coral ecosystems, but it can also serve as an entry point for strengthening co-management of the marine conservation area. The nearby village just south of Jambiani has already requested their own reefball project.

The project is funded by the Honey Hollow Foundation, and key partners for this project include Reefball Foundation, Jambiani Village and Marine Cultures.