Contribution of Marine Protected Areas in Conserving Marine Ecosystems and Improving the Local Communities’ Livelihoods; A Case of the Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP)

Chworwango, Ditrick Deogratias (2022) Contribution of Marine Protected Areas in Conserving Marine Ecosystems and Improving the Local Communities’ Livelihoods; A Case of the Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP). Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This study focused on investigating the contribution of marine protected areas (MPAs) in conserving marine ecosystems and improving the local communities’ livelihoods in the Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP) in Tanzania. The study used both purposive sampling and simple random sampling methods to obtain 83 participants from the local community, MIMP staff, NGOs Mafia district staff and investors. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches (a mixed-methods approach). Primary data was collected by using questionnaires and interview methods while secondary data were obtained from reports and publications. The results indicate that the MIMP has been able to redress marine ecosystems leading to increases in the size and abundance of marine organisms such as fish, turtles, and whale sharks, and restoration of marine forests. The MIMP has improved the local community’s livelihoods through providing funds for small-scale projects such as schools classroom building, and water supply projects, and enabling alternative income-generating activities such as seaweed and honeybee farming. In addition, tourism activities have increased, and fishing activities have been improved leading to increase of individual income and the national at large. The study concludes that the MIMP has encouraged and enhanced peoples’ feelings about the MIMP and has greatly contributed in conserving marine ecosystems and improving community’s livelihoods. Finally, the study recommends that the importance of MPAs should not be undermined. The involvement of local people and understanding their needs improve their attitudes and perceptions towards the MPAs. Keywords: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Ecosystem, Ecosystem Services, Livelihoods

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