DAR ES SALAAM, July 23 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in Tanzania's Zanzibar have urged stronger measures to protect coral reefs, highlighting their key role in driving Tanzania's blue economy by attracting global tourism.
Rashid Ali Salim, deputy permanent secretary in the President's Office for Labor, Economy, and Investment in Zanzibar, made the call on Tuesday during the launch of the National Action Plan for the Conservation of Resilient Coral Reefs.
Salim emphasized that the action plan aims to tackle critical issues affecting marine reserves, including illegal fishing, climate change, and environmental degradation.
He noted that marine reserves, such as those in Tanga, Mafia, Dar es Salaam, and Mtwara, continue to thrive as major tourist destinations, thanks to practical conservation efforts.
Salim cited the arrival of a large cruise ship last year that carried approximately 154 tourists to dock at Mafia Island, which was a direct result of preserving coastal and marine ecosystems, especially coral reefs.
He underscored the ecological importance of coral reefs, describing them as vital breeding grounds for fish and essential to marine biodiversity.
Salim urged coastal communities, conservation institutions, and development stakeholders across the country to support the action plan in achieving both national and United Nations sustainable development goals. ■
