Our Programmes

Our programmes respond to the environmental, economic and social challenges facing Mafia Island and other coastal communities. We believe marine conservation is strongest when local communities lead, participate and directly benefit.

Protecting Tanzania’s Whale Sharks Strengthening Community Fisheries Governance Restoring Mangroves and Strengthening Coastal Resilience Promoting Responsible and Community-Friendly Tourism Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders Supporting Women in Conservation and the Blue Economy

Programme 1

Protecting Tanzania’s Whale Sharks

Mafia Island is one of the most important seasonal habitats for whale sharks in the Western Indian Ocean. WATONET works with tourism operators, boat crews, researchers, government institutions and local communities to promote responsible whale shark tourism and reduce threats to this important species.

Key Activities

Responsible whale shark tourism guidelines
Boat operator and guide training
Whale shark awareness campaigns
Research and monitoring support
Community reporting of sightings and threats
Reduction of disturbance and unsafe tourism practices
Collaboration with marine researchers
Promotion of ethical swimming and viewing practices

Programme 2

Strengthening Community Fisheries Governance

Healthy fisheries depend on strong local institutions. WATONET supports Beach Management Units, Village Liaison Committees, fisher networks and community leaders to improve participation, accountability and sustainable management of marine resources.

Key Activities

Leadership and governance training
Establishment and strengthening of BMUs
Support for village fisheries committees
Community consultation and planning
Fisheries data collection
Participatory marine resource management
Support for local bylaws and compliance
Inclusion of women and young people in decision-making

Programme 3

Restoring Mangroves and Strengthening Coastal Resilience

Mangroves protect coastlines, provide breeding grounds for fish, store carbon and support the livelihoods of coastal communities. WATONET works with villages, schools, government institutions and conservation partners to restore degraded mangrove areas and establish community nurseries.

Key Activities

Mangrove planting
Establishment of mangrove nurseries
Community restoration campaigns
Monitoring survival and growth
Environmental education
Blue carbon awareness
Coastal climate resilience
Protection of mangrove habitats

Programme 4

Promoting Responsible and Community-Friendly Tourism

Tourism can support conservation when it is well managed. WATONET works with tourism operators and communities to improve safety, visitor experience, environmental responsibility and local economic benefits.

Key Activities

Tourism operator training
Responsible whale shark tourism
Marine safety awareness
Environmental standards
Community tourism development
Local guide capacity building
Visitor education
Promotion of local employment and enterprises

Programme 5

Inspiring the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders

Young people are essential to the future of Mafia Island’s environment. WATONET works with schools, teachers, youth groups and young conservation champions to build environmental knowledge, leadership and practical conservation skills.

Key Activities

School environmental clubs
Conservation education
Mangrove planting
Beach clean-ups
Youth leadership
Wildlife awareness
Training for young conservation champions
Community events and competitions

Programme 6

Supporting Women in Conservation and the Blue Economy

Women play a central role in coastal communities, but they are often underrepresented in marine resource management. WATONET promotes women’s participation in leadership, conservation and sustainable livelihood initiatives.

Key Activities

Women’s leadership training
Business and entrepreneurship support
Sustainable coastal livelihoods
Participation in BMUs and village committees
Environmental education
Access to skills and market opportunities