ReSea Project Strengthens Gender-Inclusive Governance and Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation in Pemba
The Tanga-Pemba Seascape is home to ecologically rich coastal and marine ecosystems that sustain the livelihoods of thousands of coastal community members. However, these ecosystems face increasing threats from overexploitation, habitat degradation, climate change, and limited participation of marginalized groups in governance and decision-making processes. To respond to these challenges, the ReSea project has invested in strengthening community-based governance structures, particularly Beach Management Units (BMUs) and Shehia Fisheries Committees (SFCs), making them more inclusive and integrating Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into the governance and management of marine ecosystems.
The training adopted diverse, participatory approaches to ensure that the voices, experiences, and engagement of women and youth were central to the process. Beyond conventional training, it included, dialogues and real-life experience sharing, practical sessions such as deep diving for coral reef inspections used in training on coral reef restoration. Mangrove training covering species identification, their ecological roles, nursery development to transplanting. While creative methods like songs to inspire women to speak up, a “power walk” exercise to trigger dialogue on gender dynamics in marine governance, and peer learning was not left out.
As a result of the four -day in-situ sessions, significant positive shifts in men’s perceptions towards women’s participation in LMMA governance were observed. Notably, new male champions emerged, including officials from the Ministry of Blue Economy. For instance, Shafii, PECCA Manager, independently initiated discussions during recap sessions on addressing gender-based violence in marine spaces and on ways women could recruit their husbands as male champions for women’s rights. These conversations empowered women participants to speak more confidently and sparked lively debates in both North and South Pemba insitu trainings.
Additionally, LMMA practitioners enhanced their knowledge on the importance of expanding conservation areas, steps in initiating new conservation areas, different types of management measures, the role and types of Nature-based Solutions (NbS), technical skills in coral reef restoration and mangrove restoration and the ecological and socio-economic benefits of NbS.
On the third day, the project facilitated the establishment of the Pemba LMMA Forum, which brought together 92 LMMA practitioners from 54 SFCs. Together, they formed the Pemba LMMA Network, elected eight leaders, and jointly developed the Forum’s Terms of Reference (ToR) and an action roadmap. The process was deliberately participatory to ensure ownership by both the Ministry of Blue Economy and the 54 SFCs, rather than by the ReSea project itself. Going forward, the Ministry of Blue Economy will oversee and operationalize the network in collaboration with stakeholders, including WSC and Mwambao, who actively participated in this process.
The in-situ training successfully strengthened inclusive governance and promoted Nature-based Solutions for climate adaptation in the Tanga-Pemba Seascape. By actively engaging women, youth, mane and local governance structures, the project not only enhanced technical skills in coral reef and mangrove restoration but also fostered meaningful shifts in gender perceptions and leadership. The establishment of the Pemba LMMA Network marks a significant milestone, ensuring local ownership and long-term collaboration between community practitioners and the Ministry of Blue Economy. Through these efforts, the ReSea Project has laid a strong foundation for sustainable marine conservation and resilient coastal communities in Pemba.