Climate change is endangering Zanzibar’s blue economy by affecting fisheries, tourism, and agriculture due to rising sea levels and coral reef destruction. The fishing and tourism sectors support nearly two-thirds of the population, necessitating urgent action to protect local livelihoods. Both Omar Mohamed and Mohamed Hamad at a recent workshop stressed the need for decisive government intervention to mitigate these issues.
Zanzibar’s blue economy faces significant threats due to climate change, which is affecting critical sectors such as fisheries, tourism, and agriculture. The challenges manifest through rising sea levels, coral reef destruction, saltwater intrusion, and unpredictable weather patterns, all of which disrupt local livelihoods.
Nearly two-thirds of Zanzibar’s population relies on the fishing and tourism sectors, as reported by Omar Mohamed, the coordination officer at the Ministry of Blue Economy. He stated that up to 54% of the population is being impacted, urging immediate action to safeguard their means of subsistence and food security.
Mohamed further elaborated, “Coral reef destruction is crippling tourism and fisheries, while saltwater intrusion and erratic rainfall are jeopardizing freshwater sources and agricultural productivity.” He noted that fishing contributes between 4% and 8% to Zanzibar’s GDP, while tourism represents over 29%.
Mohamed Hamad, another representative at the workshop, highlighted research and fishermen’s testimonies that show a decline in fish breeding grounds. This evidence underscores the pressing need for proactive government intervention to address these environmental challenges, according to the Citizen Tanzania.
Zanzibar is an island located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 15 miles off the Tanzanian coast, making it particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
In conclusion, climate change poses a severe risk to Zanzibar’s blue economy, notably affecting fisheries, tourism, and agriculture. The urgent need for government intervention is emphasized by the substantial contribution these sectors make to the livelihood of the population and the overall economy. As environmental threats escalate, decisive measures are necessary to protect Zanzibar’s critical resources and secure food supply for its residents.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
