Tanga, Tanzania, November 6, 2023 – Today marks the official launch of the Regenerative Seascapes Project for Planet, Nature, and People (ReSea) in Tanga, Tanzania. ReSea, a 3-year, $30 million initiative, with 5.5 million, designated for Tanzania, is to be implemented by Mission Inclusion in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) with the financing of Global Affairs Canada.

ReSea's aim is to enhance the climate and socio-economic resilience of 350,000 individuals residing in coastal communities spanning Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Comoros, and Madagascar. The initiative centres on reinforcing the conservation of marine protected areas, enacting nature-based strategies for climate adaptation, and fostering economic empowerment for women within the blue economy value chains. In Tanzania, the project will be carried out in the Tanga and Pemba seascapes. Approximately 85,000 residents in these regions will directly experience the positive impacts of the project's interventions.

Expressing the Ministry's support for the project, Tanga Regional Commissioner,  Hon. Waziri Kindamba, had this to say, "This project will benefit our people, provide employment opportunities, particularly to youth and women and lastly, enhance the resilience of the wider community to the effects of climate change."

Canadian High Commissioner H.E. Kyle Nunas stated, “Canada is pleased to support the Regenerative Seascapes for People, Climate, and Nature project.  This project aims to safeguard our oceans, enhance climate resilience and improve the lives of those living in coastal communities, including women and girls in Tanzania.  Women and girls are powerful agents of change and must be included in our global efforts to advance action on the environment, climate change and biodiversity.

"At today's milestone event, we are proud to extend the impact of the ReSea project into Tanzania," said Richard Veenstra, Executive Director of Mission inclusion. "Our commitment remains steadfast in co-creating solutions that are locally tailored, made possible through close collaboration with a range of stakeholders—from local governments to civil society organisations and the private sector. In Tanzania's Tanga and Pemba seascapes, we are particularly focused on empowering women within the blue economy, as well as uplifting youth and other vulnerable groups. We are fully aware of the untapped potential that these communities offer for sustainable development. Through this inclusive and horizontal collaboration, we aim for lasting change that enriches both human lives and the natural environment."

Charles Oluchina, Country Representative of IUCN Tanzania, stated: “Through ReSea, we accelerate the journey of scaling up local empowerment, resilience, and conservation. Together with our partners, we are dedicated to shaping a future where coastal communities thrive in harmony with the natural world. Through inclusive collaboration, ReSea will empower women, uplift the youth, and safeguard our precious marine ecosystems. 

The inaugural event had representation from community members, local leaders, project collaborators, and government officials. Over the next three years, ReSea will collaborate directly with communities throughout Tanzania to implement initiatives focused on reinforcing biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, and promoting economic empowerment for women. Aligned with the African-led Great Blue Wall initiative, this project represents a substantial commitment to fortifying the sustainability and resilience of coastal and marine ecosystems, economies, and communities in the face of climate change. Acknowledging the government of the United Republic of Tanzania's commitment to the blue economy agenda and sustainable development objectives, the ReSea project stands as a steadfast partner, dedicated to fostering a brighter and more sustainable future for the nation and its coastal communities.

ReSea partner logos in Tanzania