Nice, France, June 10, 2025 – At the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), the Government of Tanzania announced the designation of two new marine protected areas (MPAs) in the biodiverse waters off Pemba Island, a major step forward for marine conservation in the Western Indian Ocean. The North-East Pemba Conservation Area (837 km²) and the South-East Pemba Conservation Area (468 km²) together span over 1,300 km² and protect vital coral reefs, seagrasses, mangroves, and the habitat of threatened sharks and rays.

This announcement greatly contributes to Tanzania’s commitments under the global 30x30 ocean target and highlights the country’s leadership in inclusive, science-based conservation planning.

“The declaration of these new marine protected areas underscores Tanzania’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding our exceptional marine biodiversity,” said Dr. Makame Omar Makame, Director of the Marine Conservation Department at the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries in Zanzibar. “This achievement reflects both the ecological importance of our coastal waters and the strength of our collaborative approach with local communities. We are proud to contribute to global conservation goals through a model that is inclusive, science-based, and rooted in national priorities.”

The two new MPAs are home to:

  • 70 km² of climate-resilient coral reefs, among the most biodiverse in the region;
  • 26 km² of seagrass beds supporting fisheries and carbon storage;
  • 34 km² of mangrove forest, essential for coastal protection and habitat;
  • Important coastal habitats for threatened sharks and rays.

The MPAs will be closed to destructive fishing methods such as ring nets and seine nets which will reduce mortality of rays and sharks. Zoning rules for the new MPAs are being co-developed with local communities to include Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) and coral reef restoration zones, and additional measures that will protect vulnerable species.

“The creation of these new MPAs is a strong signal of Tanzania’s long-term commitment to ocean protection. We are proud to support an approach that places local communities at the heart of conservation and shows how inclusive processes can lead to lasting results - for people and nature,” said Markus Knigge, Executive Director of the Blue Action Fund.

The MPAs are the result of one of the most extensive community consultation processes in Zanzibar’s marine history. Between December 2024 and March 2025, more than 4,000 community members across 43 villages were engaged in village-by-village dialogues led by a taskforce of government and WCS staff. Each village voted, and one by one the communities came to consensus on the need to support the new conservation area. Local fishers, Shehia leaders, women, and youth participated in shaping the MPA design, raising questions and priorities that helped guide the zoning and future management plans.

“We are proud to be part of something that will protect our ocean and support our future,” said Hadija Rajab Ali, a fisher and community leader from Micheweni District. “This MPA is a reflection of our community’s voice and vision. It shows what’s possible when we work together to care for the sea.”

WCS congratulates the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and Pemba’s coastal communities for their commitment to protecting ocean biodiversity and building climate resilience. Since 2022, WCS has been a partner in supporting the scientific assessments, stakeholder engagement, and community planning processes that went into the creation of these MPAs.

“Pemba East has been identified as a climate refuge and a biodiversity hotspot by WCS scientists; however, past projects have focused on other areas. As a result, communities in Pemba East have not benefited from the many development and conservation projects in Zanzibar,” said Jean Mensa, Director of the Tanzania Marine Program at WCS. “This project will help improve community and ecosystem resilience through livelihoods and ecosystem rehabilitation and restoration. This is the first important step towards the protection of these areas. WCS Tanzania remains committed to supporting effective management of the MPAs in the years to come.”

WCS is proud to stand alongside Tanzania in advancing marine protection that reflects both ecological urgency and local leadership. We thank the funding partners who supported the work to create these MPAs, including: The Tiffany & Co. Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Blue Action Fund, WCS’s 30x30 Ocean Accelerator, and the Shark Conservation Fund.

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