Strengthening Environmental and Climate Change Consideration On Mitigation Efforts In Seaweed Farming Towards Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation: A Case Study of Zanzibar

The Africa Blue Economy Strategy focuses on climate change mitigation, environmental sustainability, aquatic biodiversity, and ecosystem conservation as key drivers of Blue Economy development in Africa. The African Union – Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) is implementing a project called "Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity in African Blue Economy" to strengthen climate change mitigation efforts and support initiatives to restore degraded ecosystems, including sustainable seaweed farming. Seaweed farming along the East African coast is a significant industry, with Tanzania contributing over 80% of total production. However, there is a lack of integration of climate and environmental considerations into seaweed farming practices, which is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of the seaweed industry. Challenges in the region include climate change, invasive species, regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, and commercialization. To address these issues, the AU-IBAR recommends assessing regional value chains, developing eco-friendly best practices, investing in capacity building, strengthening knowledge management, fostering women's empowerment, integrating policies and strategies, monitoring compliance, and supporting infrastructure development.