
Sarah Pima
Executive Director of Human Dignity and Environmental Care Foundation
Mdimni, Tanzania
Mangroves are essential for the restoration of degraded ecosystems due to their ability to improve the quality of the environment by reducing soil erosion and increasing biodiversity. They are also important for carbon sequestration, which helps mitigate climate change. Mangroves provide a habitat for a wide range of species, including fish, crustaceans, and birds. These species depend on the mangrove ecosystem for their survival and contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem.
In Mdimni village, the rapid increase in population led to a surge in deforestation, particularly of the mangrove trees. These trees are attached to the coastal areas and form crucial breeding grounds for a variety of aquatic species including fish, shrimp, crabs, and shellfish. The cutting of mangroves not only impacted the ecosystem but also made the lives of the villagers extremely difficult as they relied on fishing activities for their livelihoods.
The are several initiatives which have already done to restore mangrove ecosystem in Mkuranga Mdimini village through different project in collaboration with environmental organizations (HUDEFO, MMAZINGIRA PLUS, TCCI and ETE) and other stakeholder. The project involves planting and protecting mangrove seedlings, establishing sustainable farming practices, and promoting the conservation of the ecosystem through installation of bee hives in the mangrove forest and livelihood improvement.
The restoration of the mangrove forest in Mdimuni Mkuranga has already shown positive results, with an increase in the number of fish and other aquatic species. The project has also provided employment opportunities for the local community, thus improving their livelihoods.