Safeguarding Communities, Ecosystems, and Futures
Project Summary
"Islands on the Edge" is an integrated, community-driven coastal resilience initiative
designed to protect Zanzibar’s fragile shorelines and empower its coastal communities in the face of
climate change. As sea levels rise, storm surges intensify, and marine ecosystems degrade, the
archipelago’s economy, food security, and cultural heritage stand at a critical crossroads.
Through sustainable infrastructure, ecological restoration, education, and policy advocacy, this project
aims to turn the tide by reinforcing natural and human resilience in the region.
Objectives
Enhance Natural Defenses
- Restore 100 hectares of mangroves and 5 km of coral reef systems to buffer coastal erosion and storm
damage.
Empower Local Communities
- Train 1,000 residents (60% women and youth) in climate-smart livelihoods (e.g., eco-tourism,
sustainable aquaculture).
- Develop Coastal Resilience Hubs in 10 vulnerable villages for local education and response planning.
Implement Adaptive Infrastructure
- Construct Eco-engineered sea walls, elevated walkways, and rainwater harvesting systems in critical
zones.
Promote Data-Driven Policy & Education
- Create Zanzibar’s first open-access Coastal Risk and Resilience Map.
- Launch public campaigns reaching 50,000+ residents to promote sustainable coastal practices.
Key Components & Activities
Ecosystem Restoration
- Mangrove reforestation with local seedlings.
- Coral gardening with community divers.
- Beach dune stabilization with native vegetation.
Community Resilience Building
- Village workshops on disaster preparedness.
- Microgrants for women-led green businesses.
- Integration of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK)
Infrastructure for Adaptation
- Nature-based seawalls.
- Elevated evacuation routes.
- Solar-powered water systems.
Monitoring, Data & Advocacy
- Drone mapping of erosion-prone areas.
- Coastal vulnerability assessments.
- Policy briefs and stakeholder dialogues.
Target Impact (By Year 3)
- 30,000+ people more resilient to climate impacts
- 25% reduction in shoreline erosion in project sites
- 50% increase in sustainable income sources for pilot communities
- 70% of local schools integrating coastal resilience into curriculum
Key Activities
| Category |
Year 1 |
Year 2 |
Year 3 |
Total (USD) |
| Ecosystem Restoration |
$180,000 |
$150,000 |
$120,000 |
$450,000 |
| Community Training & Micro-grants |
$100,000 |
$120,000 |
$80,000 |
$300,000 |
| Resilient Infrastructure Development |
$250,000 |
$200,000 |
$150,000 |
$600,000 |
| Research, Monitoring & Technology |
$70,000 |
$60,000 |
$40,000 |
$170,000 |
| Policy Engagement & Awareness Campaigns |
$40,000 |
$35,000 |
$25,000 |
$100,000 |
| Project Management & Local Partnerships |
$80,000 |
$70,000 |
$50,000 |
$200,000 |
| Contingency (10%) |
— |
— |
— |
$182,000 |
| Total Estimated Budget
| |
$2,002,000
|
Partnerships & Alignment
This project will be implemented in close collaboration with:
- Zanzibar Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries
- Local NGOs and Women’s Cooperatives
- UNEP, IUCN, and other regional resilience networks
It aligns with:
- UN SDG 13 (Climate Action)
- SDG 14 (Life Below Water)
- SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
Why Now?
Zanzibar’s coastlines are not just lines on a map — they are lifelines for thousands. “Islands on the
Edge” offers a chance to lead with innovation, equity, and ecology, ensuring these communities thrive
not only today but for generations to come.
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