The Mnazi Bay - Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park, totalling over 200 km2 of sea and 464 km2 of land, is located in Mtwara District in Southern Tanzania, on the border with Mozambique. The area is recognised as being internationally important for its biodiversity, with diverse mangroves, sea grass beds and coral reefs that provide livelihoods to the local communities. The Park was gazetted in 2000. At present, there has not been a comprehensive survey of the area but we do know that there are important populations of whales and dolphins, four species of sea turtles, and numerous birds. Perhaps most significantly, the 52 km2 of mangrove forest in the Ruvuma estuary is made up of large, mature trees, a rarity in Eastern Africa.

There are 12 villages and a number of sub-villages within the park with a population in excess of 30,000 people. At present, this area is one of the poorest and least developed in Tanzania with the population relying primarily on subsistence fishing and agriculture. The District is due to receive a massive economic boost if plans move forward for the Mtwara Development Corridor, a collaborative effort between Tanzania, Mozambique and Malawi. The plan is designed to stimulate industry and other economic sectors based on natural gas reserves in the area and the increased potential of the deep water port. The park may also contribute to the plan, building upon schemes to expand the Tanzania's lucrative southern tourism circuit. While potentially beneficial to communities and the economy, the development plans could present a threat to the environmental health of the marine park if they are not carried out with care.

The project was initiated in 2002 to develop capacity within the Park and to prepare a strategy for its management. The four and a half year project is funded by UNDP/GEF and implemented by the Tanzanian Marine Parks and Reserves Unit. Technical assistance is provided by IUCN's East African Programme. The main components of the project are biodiversity and socio-economic surveys and assessments of the area, preparation of a general management plan, capacity building and awareness raising, and the development of supplementary income generating activities.

In keeping with Tanzania's progressive legislation and policy for Marine Parks, the local communities are extensively involved in the establishment and management of the park. Their representation on the park's Advisory Committee, and village liaison committees will ensure good communication between the local communities and the Park authorities. The villages are expected to play an important role in assessing resources, monitoring, designating areas for different uses and enforcing regulations. It is hoped that the tourism and energy sectors will also be involved, and innovative mechanisms may be developed with the private sector to support the park financially and provide local communities with employment opportunities.

Similar initiatives are expected to be developed in northern Mozambique and, ultimately, it is hoped that the Mnazi Bay Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park will become part of a transboundary conservation area.

For more information please contact: earo@iucn.org