Zanzibar’s blue economy is threatened by climate change, impacting fishing, tourism, and agriculture, which support two-thirds of the population. Omar Mohamed, Ministry of Blue Economy, highlighted that 54% of residents are affected and stressed the urgency of protective measures. Coral reef damage and erratic weather further jeopardize these industries, necessitating government action as indicated by local officials.
Zanzibar’s blue economy faces significant challenges due to climate change, including rising sea levels, coral reef degradation, saltwater intrusion, and unpredictable weather patterns affecting key sectors like fishing, tourism, and agriculture. These industries are essential, with approximately two-thirds of the island’s population relying on them for their livelihoods.
During a Circular Economy workshop, Omar Mohamed, the coordination officer at the Ministry of Blue Economy, stated that around 54% of Zanzibar’s population is adversely impacted. He called for immediate actions to safeguard livelihoods and food security, highlighting that, “Coral reef destruction is crippling tourism and fisheries, while saltwater intrusion and erratic rainfall are jeopardizing freshwater sources and agricultural productivity.”
Mohamed further indicated the economic impact of these sectors, noting that fishing contributes between 4% and 8% of the island’s GDP, whereas tourism accounts for over 29%. In addition, fellow workshop participant Mohamed Hamad pointed out that research and feedback from fishermen signal a decline in fish breeding areas, underscoring the urgent need for government intervention, as reported by Citizen Tanzania.
Zanzibar, located just 15 miles off the Tanzanian coast in the Indian Ocean, must urgently respond to the threats posed by climate change to preserve its blue economy and sustain its critical industries.
Climate change poses a severe risk to Zanzibar’s blue economy, predominantly affecting fisheries and tourism, which are vital for the island’s population. Urgent government measures are necessary to mitigate the impacts of coral reef destruction, saltwater intrusion, and shifting weather patterns. The preservation of these sectors is crucial for maintaining livelihoods and economic stability on the island.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
