Tanzania Establishes Two Marine Reserves Near Pemba

At the UN Ocean Conference in June, Tanzania announced the creation of two new marine protected areas (MPAs) near Pemba Island, covering more than 1,300 km² of ecologically rich waters. The North-East Pemba Conservation Area spans 837 km², while the South-East Pemba Conservation Area covers 468 km². Together, they form a vital refuge for coral reefs, seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, and several threatened shark and ray species.

Zanzibar coral reef
Ecology & Science

This move strengthens Tanzania’s contribution to the global “30x30” target—protecting 30% of the ocean by 2030—and demonstrates the country’s commitment to science-based and community-driven conservation. The new MPAs include:

• 70 km² of climate-resilient coral reefs, critical for biodiversity;

• 26 km² of seagrass beds supporting fisheries and carbon storage;

• 34 km² of mangrove forest, vital for shoreline protection;

• Habitat for threatened sharks and rays.

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Pemba Island: Diving in Tanzania's Zanzibar Archipelago

Pemba Island is part of the Zanzibar Archipelago in Tanzania. Pierre Constant shares his adventure there, which took him through lush emerald forests, home to the Zanzibar leopard and rare endemic species of monkeys, a reserve with Seychelles tortoise, as well as diverse dive sites with a delightful variety of corals and marine species, and ample opportunities for underwater photography.

Words:
Pierre Constant
Images:
Nudibranch, Pemba, Tanzania. Photo by Pierre Constant
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Travel & Trips

I was in an authentic patch of Zanzibar’s original forest in the south-central part of the island. About one hour’s drive from Stone Town, the Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park (50 sq km), the last refuge of the elusive Zanzibar leopard, has been legally protected since 2004, being the home of the rare and critically endangered Zanzibar red colobus monkey (Piliocolobus kirkii). I was keen, indeed, to meet the creature in its natural environment.

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Zanzibar: Diving Unguja & Pemba Island

The spacious, purpose-built dhow slid through the calm Indian Ocean. We were briefed sitting under the shade area of the deck, then kitted up and went through our buddy checks before a giant stride took us into the 30°C sea. Looking down, I could just make out the dive site, an old British lighter, 27 metres below me. It was 9:30 a.m. and the day was going fantastically.

Words:
Christopher Bartlett
Images:
Christopher Bartlett
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Travel & Trips

I’d started the morning in Dar-es-Salaam and caught a Coastal Airways Cessna 182 for the 20-minute 07:30 flight to Stone Town on the west coast of Unguja, more commonly known as Zanzibar, for some low-level sunrise shots of the outlying reefs. Ten minutes in a taxi, and I was sitting up at One Ocean Divers, a mug of coffee steaming next to me.
 

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