What happens when the people who depend on the ocean are empowered to protect it? Since June 2025, communities in North Zanzibar have been leading their own marine conservation efforts—proving that local leadership is key to healthy reefs and resilient livelihoods.
Since December 2024, through our Making Waves in the Caribbean initiative, The Living Ocean has been honored to collaborate with the renowned NGO Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire (STCB). Established in 1991, STCB is a pioneering organization dedicated to the research and conservation of sea turtles on Bonaire, a small yet ecologically vital island in the Caribbean.
Located along the northeastern coast of Unguja, Zanzibar, this vibrant dolphin habitat faces increasing boat traffic due to growing tourism, particularly around Mnemba Island. While dolphin-watching presents valuable economic and educational opportunities, it also raises concerns about balancing human curiosity with marine conservation.
Initiated in April 2024, the Sea Cucumber Women Empowerment Program supports women in Matemwe, Zanzibar, by creating sustainable alternative livelihoods. In response to declining fish stocks, sea cucumber farming emerged as an innovative solution that strengthens incomes, empowers women, and protects marine biodiversity.
An initiative aimed at raising awareness about marine conservation issues in the Caribbean. The project involves a unique sailing expedition that combines adventure, education, and hands-on conservation efforts to protect the delicate marine ecosystems of the Caribbean.
In Matemwe (north-east of Zanzibar) lies the the Zanzibar Reef. This is a shallow coral reef, providing natural breakwaters which buffer shorelines from waves and storms. Their rough surfaces and complex structures disperse the force of incoming waves. This prevents flooding, erosion, property damage and loss of life.
In Zanzibar 18% of the population lives below the basic need poverty line. Overfishing and tourism activities increased considerably in the last decade. In this way communities try to provide for themselves. But this also puts intense pressure on the reef: corals are dying and the fish population decreases drastically.
Coral reefs are the rainforests of the sea. An enormous diversity of life is found in the habitats created by corals. Did you know about 25% of the ocean’s fish depends on healthy coral reefs. Fish and other organisms shelter, find food, reproduce and raise their babies in the corals.
Several years ago, the waters of Mnemba Island were home to dozens of Green & Hawksbill turtles. Nowadays only a few remain.