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The
Tanzania shoreline has an extensive system of diverse marine
and coastal habitats, which support some of the richest
concentrations of biodiversity in the East African Marine
Eco region.
These vital ecosystems are currently under severe
threat due to combined impact of population pressure,
poverty, over exploitation and other destructive human
activities.
It has been increasingly recognized that an integrated and
holistic approach is necessary for the sound and sustainable
management of these invaluable life support systems. In this
context environmental education and training assume a
pivotal role.
The new Environmental Education Strategy and Action Plan (EESAP)
for Mafia Island Marine Park has been recognized as an
essential element in the sustainable development process by
the marine park's partners. The launching of the EESAP by
the Park, with support from WWF, signifies another positive
step in guiding a marine park at Mafia Island to its
ultimate goal of sustainability.
Some of the most pressing problems of Mafia district include
depletion of both renewable and non-renewable resources;
haphazard solid waste disposal; unsustainable agricultural
practices; loss of biodiversity; poverty; population
pressure and low standard of education.
The challenges to sustainable development are staggering in number, scale and complexity. Mafia district needs to develop and the modernize in less wasteful ways than those prevalent elsewhere, without losing the sound social and cultural values and practices which underpin the traditional way of life.
Mafia district needs to find alternative paths to an alternative goal; a goal which ultimately is the true goal of development; an environmentally sound and sustainable quality of life, which is socially just and equitable.
The primary purpose of the EE Strategy and Action Plan is to present a framework by which to educate and train people to deal with major environmental problems such as degradation of ecosystems, depletion of natural resources, loss of biodiversity, soil, water and air pollution and haphazard urbanization and industrialisation.
Also, it is aimed at sensitising people on the need to eliminate the root causes of environmental degradation such as poverty, population pressure, overpopulation, wasteful production of marine products, human greed and underdevelopment.
Above all, it attempts to move forward from the traditional conservation approach of excluding people, to an integrated approach that fully involves local communities and recognises and respects their livelihood needs.
The Action Plan has been specially directed to resolving issues in four critical target areas formal and non-formal education; planning and decision making; public awareness and participation; and information, networking and communication. The implementation strategy has spelt out 13 priority actions for project formulation and implementation during period 2000 to 2004
The Strategy and Action Plan envisages a future where the community is mobilized to work hand in hand with the marine park to uphold the diverse riches of the marine environment whilst still allowing sustainable use of its resources for the benefit of the community.
See
also >>>
MAFIA ISLAND MARINE PARK - GLOBAL BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT
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