KENYA AND TANZANIA
The coral reefs of Kenya and Tanzania, particularly around the Zanzibar Archipelago and coastal regions, are vital for marine biodiversity, sustainable fisheries, and coastal protection in East Africa.
Priority Locations
Area between Malindi and Dar Es Salaam with a focus on:
- Kenya-Tanzania proposed Transboundary Conservation Area (TBCA)
- Malindi-Watamu Marine Parks and Reserves
- Northern part of the Pemba Channel Conservation Area (PECCA)
- Zanzibar
- North Pemba Channel Conservation Area
- South Pemba Channel Conservation Area
Partners
Convening Agent: Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Blue Alliance Marine Protected Areas (BA), BNP Paribas
Key Implementing Partners: Okavango Capital Partners (OCP), Conservation Capital, Oceans Alive Foundation, Blue wild ecotourism, Aquahub Pemba, Uba sustainable institute, X20, Icebreaker, Community organisations
2030 Targets
104K+ HA
Coral reefs under conservation and sustainable management target
$70M
Private investment, returns & co-financing leverage target
51K
Community members benefiting from improved resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and increased income target
Overview
Led by the WCS, the Miamba Yetu programme covers the coastlines of Kenya and Tanzania including the Zanzibar archipelago with a focus on the proposed Transboundary Conservation Area (TBCA) identified by WCS scientists as a coral climate refuge. The governments of Kenya and Tanzania are currently in negotiations to enhance management of the proposed TBCA. Towards 2030, the programme plans to create a variety of investment opportunities that reduce the threats to climate resilient coral reefs; contribute to the economic well-being of local coastal communities, particularly for youth, women and community-based groups; and support reef-positive businesses. Projects that can benefit from Miamba Yetu’s funding support include players from private sector organisations, individuals, and community associations. Examples of sectors include ecotourism, community enterprises and fisheries, waste management, blue carbon and coastal development.
The Uchumi wa Bluu katika Maeneo ya Uhifadhi programme aims to establish financially sustainable conservation areas in Zanzibar, regenerating coral reef ecosystems, enhancing livelihoods for coastal communities, and generating revenue through reef-positive businesses in eco-tourism, sustainable fisheries, and aquaculture, ultimately promoting long-term protection and resilience of marine biodiversity in Pemba and Ungunja.
The Blue Finance facility is a targeted USD 35m impact loan facility designed to provide up-front and early-stage impact financing to reef-positive businesses that strengthen the Blue Economy within Marine Protected Areas in Indonesia, the Philippines, Tanzania, and Cabo Verde.
