NPSC Group photo enjoined by representatives of FAO and Swedish Embassy in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam, 12 July 2024; The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in collaboration with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania-URT, conducted the first National Project Steering Committee (NPSC) meeting at Dar es Salam Tanzania for implementation of the Partnership project between the South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC) and the Nairobi Convention for the protection, management and development of the marine and coastal environment of the Western Indian Ocean. The “SWIOFC-Nairobi Convention Partnership for Resilient Marine and Coastal Ecosystems and Livelihoods” (SWIOFC NC PP2) is being implemented in three countries of the Western Indian Ocean namely Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique.

The NPSC meeting discussed progress made by the project in the URT since its launch in February 2023, including the inception phase of the project (March 2023-March 2024). The NPSC also approved the annual work plan and budget for 2024/2025. The SWIOFC-Nairobi Convention partnership project for resilient marine and coastal ecosystems and livelihoods is the second phase of the SWIOFC–NC Partnership program. It is being implemented in Mkuranga District Council of Pwani Region, in the Tanzanian mainland, and in Southeast Pemba in Zanzibar. The second phase of the project upscales from the first phase of the partnership project titled “A Partnership for Marine and Coastal Governance and Fisheries Management for Sustainable Blue Growth” which was implemented in Mkinga District and Zone 3 of the Pemba Channel Conservation Area (PECCA) over 2019 to 2023.

The NPSC meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary and Directors from the ministry responsible for fisheries and the Vice President's Office of Environment both in Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar. The Guest of Honour, Acting Permanent Secretary from the First Vice President's Office of Environment, Mr. Ilyasa Pakacha Haji, recognized the effort and support given by development partners such as FAO and UNEP and conveyed the commitment of the Government towards the sustainable management of marine resources in Tanzania. He thanked FAO and stakeholders for implementing the project which will help transform the livelihoods of coastal communities in the project sites.

Mr. Thomas Chali, Assistant Director of Environment at the Vice President’s Office (VPO), Tanzania mainland represented the VPO Permanent secretary at the meeting. He remarked that the blue economy was the frontier in economic revitalization, with the potential to create wealth, promote trade, and generate economic growth. He commended the Government’s commitment to providing close support to the implementation of the initiative to achieve intended outcomes.

Mrs. Nyabenyi Tipo, FAO Representative in the URT thanked the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) for financial support towards the implementation of the SWIOFC-Nairobi Convention partnership project. She applauded the Government of Tanzania, under the leadership of President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan for steadfast efforts and initiatives in the blue sectors.

“Through a series of policies and initiatives, Tanzania has made remarkable strides in enhancing the management and sustainability of natural resources in both the fisheries and environment sectors,” said Mrs Tipo.

“Central to these efforts are community-based management approaches that empower local stakeholders to participate in the management of marine resources actively. Better fisheries management and environmental protection are essential to ensuring subsistence fisheries become sustainable,” she stated, emphasizing that achieving these objectives will require collaborative actions for governance and sustainable practices to alleviate poverty, ensure inclusive growth, and ‘leave no one behind’.

The SWIOFC-Nairobi Convention partnership project for resilient marine and coastal ecosystems and livelihoods will be implemented with key stakeholders, aiming to deepen collaboration between fisheries and environmental management among coastal communities, especially fishing groups. The project will increase the participation of youth and women in the management of natural resources both in Mkuranga District and in Southeast Pemba Island. The project will build capacity among stakeholders and strengthen the implementation of an ecosystem-based approach in national and local management of the marine and coastal environment and fishery resources.

Prior to the Steering Committee meeting, the Regional Project Management Unit (RPMU) organized a National Project Technical Team (NPTT) meeting of the SWIOFC-Nairobi Convention partnership project for resilient marine and coastal ecosystems and livelihoods. The meeting was attended by directors from research institutes, marine protected areas, marine conservation areas, academia, and representatives from NGOs.

NPTT discussed project progress, reviewed planned activities and budgets, and provided valuable guidance for the smooth implementation of the project. During the NPTT meeting, participants had the opportunity to learn about the accomplishments from the first phase of the partnership project and explored areas of synergies in the second phase.

The SWIOFC-Nairobi Convention partnership project for resilient marine and coastal ecosystems and livelihoods (2024-2027) will strengthen collaboration between fisheries and environmental management to improve food security and community resilience. It seeks to increase the participation of youth, women, and men in the sustainable management of their coastal and marine resources. A number of outputs are envisaged including protection and restoration of degraded habitats, marine spatial planning, development or updating of collaborative management plans, enhanced livelihood options, and community resilience to climate change.

The 4-year partnership project aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 13: Climate Action, and SDG 14: Life Below Water.