Chumbe Island: How Tanzania Leads Ocean Conservation

Chumbe Island Coral Park showcases a thriving example of marine conservation success. Credit: Kizito Makoye/IPS

Beneath the turquoise waters off the coast of Zanzibar, Tanzania, lies a marine miracle. In Chumbe Island Coral Park, vibrant reef fish shimmer like scattered gems, weaving through flourishing coral gardens teeming with life. Sea turtles glide gracefully, and butterflyfish dart like flashes of sunlight in one of East Africa’s most pristine marine ecosystems.

Yet, just three decades ago, this underwater paradise was on the brink of collapse. Unregulated fishing, reef blasting, and coral bleaching had transformed the reefs into fragile underwater graveyards. Today, Chumbe Island stands as a beacon of hope—a thriving marine sanctuary managed entirely by a private conservation initiative that demonstrates the power of local stewardship amid a global ocean crisis.

“If we save the sea, we save our world,” echoes the wisdom of Sir David Attenborough. The ocean, he reminds us, still holds the power to heal—if given the chance.

At a recent UN Ocean Conference, Tanzania’s ocean conservation efforts quietly earned global respect. While delegates debated deep-sea mining regulations and ambitious conservation goals, Tanzania shared a practical blueprint blending science, law, and community involvement with urgent commitment.

Established in the mid-1990s, Chumbe Island Coral Park was among the first marine protected areas (MPAs) in the region to be managed privately, without relying on government funding. Its mission was straightforward but bold: protect what remains before it is lost. Fishing, pollution, and anchor damage are strictly prohibited.

The result has been extraordinary. Coral cover in the park exceeds 90 percent, a rarity in many parts of the Indian Ocean. The sanctuary provides safe breeding grounds for rare species such as giant groupers, humphead wrasses, and endangered hawksbill turtles. The underwater landscape feels like a living, breathing world restored.

“Conservation here isn’t a luxury—it’s survival,” says Rukia Hassan, a local marine guide trained by the park. “Our ocean is our life. Without it, we have nothing.”

Chumbe’s protection has also benefited nearby fishing communities. Through a “spillover effect,” fish populations have rebounded outside the sanctuary. What once was skepticism among local fishermen has turned into support, as jobs, education, and a culture of marine stewardship grow through ecotourism.

“People thought banning fishing would starve us,” says Salum Juma, a fisherman from Mbweni village. “But now, we catch more fish than ever—both inside the reef and in our nets.”

Tanzania’s success extends beyond Chumbe Island. The country’s National Marine Ecosystem Management Strategy sets ambitious conservation targets along its 1,400-kilometer coastline, expanding the network of MPAs.

Danstan Johnny Shimbo, Director of Legal Services at the Vice President’s Office, leads these efforts. At the Ocean Summit, he emphasized that ocean governance is a matter of survival. Tanzania has ratified numerous international marine treaties and is drafting regulations to responsibly manage deep-sea mining, balancing economic interests with environmental protection.

“Yes, we have valuable minerals under our seas,” Shimbo stated. “But we will not destroy the ocean to extract them.”

The government also combats destructive practices like blast fishing through enforcement and community cooperation. Education initiatives have shifted local attitudes—from catching more fish today to sustaining fish populations for the future.

Despite local successes, the ocean faces grave threats worldwide. Only 3 percent of the global ocean is highly protected, far below the 30×30 target of protecting 30 percent by 2030. Achieving this goal would require establishing 85 new MPAs daily.

National Geographic explorer Dr. Enric Sala called for urgent, bold action at the summit. “The ocean needs courage, not half-measures,” he warned.

Some countries have made strong commitments, while others remain cautious. Yet community-led sanctuaries like Chumbe prove that effective conservation is possible, even with limited resources.

Investment in well-managed MPAs offers strong economic returns—each dollar invested can yield ten dollars through tourism, fisheries, and coastal protection. In Chumbe, ecotourism revenues support education, conservation, and local livelihoods.

“MPAs aren’t a burden—they’re the smartest investment,” says Kristin Rechberger, CEO of Dynamic Planet.

Tanzania’s approach views the ocean not only as an environmental priority but as a vital economic asset. From sustainable fisheries to blue carbon markets and eco-tourism, the sea is a bank to be replenished, not emptied.

Back on Chumbe Island, reef sharks patrol coral heads while green turtles rest in sandy lagoons. Schoolchildren visit the Eco-Education Center, learning about the ocean’s delicate balance and their role as future stewards.

“This ocean is your inheritance,” Rukia tells them. “Protect it as you would your home.”

The message is clear: the world may be running out of time to conserve marine biodiversity, but hope remains alive in places where community, courage, and clear rules come together to protect the seas.