The government is developing a new strategic plan to integrate biodiversity conservation into fisheries management as part of efforts to advance Tanzania’s blue economy and promote sustainable livelihoods among coastal and inland fishing communities.
Speaking during the closing of a workshop on biodiversity integration in fisheries management held at Giraffe Hotel in Dar es Salaam on October 8, 2025, the Director of Administration and Human Resources in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Dr. Charles Mhina, who represented the Permanent Secretary, called on development partners both national and international to act as “ambassadors of change” in promoting biodiversity awareness and environmental stewardship in their respective communities.
Dr. Mhina said aligning biodiversity conservation with national priorities such as food security, economic growth, and community well-being was key to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the fisheries sector.
“The success of our fisheries depends on the health of aquatic ecosystems. If we all invest our efforts in the areas identified here, we can bring meaningful change to our communities. Development partners must help raise awareness of biodiversity conservation to empower small-scale fishers,” said Dr. Mhina.
He emphasized the need to integrate elements of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and Tanzania’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP 2025–2030) into national policies and fisheries management systems.
Dr. Mhina also commended partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), for their technical and financial support, as well as higher learning institutions and fishing communities that contributed to policy discussions and implementation strategies.
Presenting the draft strategic plan, Dr. Lilian Ibengwe, Chief Fisheries Officer and Coordinator of the Biodiversity Integration Project in the Fisheries Sector, said the proposed framework sets out key objectives developed by a team of experts, researchers, and fisheries stakeholders.
The goals aim to ensure biodiversity is embedded in all aspects of fisheries management from planning and resource use to education and capacity building.
Ms. Hadija Malibiche, Secretary of the Tanzania Women Fishers and Processors Network (TAWFA), praised the ministry and FAO for convening inclusive discussions that prioritize the welfare of aquatic species and the sustainability of the fisheries sector.
“This initiative will not only protect marine biodiversity but also enhance the well-being of small-scale fishers, especially women who play a vital role in fish processing and trade,” said Ms. Malibiche.
Development partners who took part in reviewing the proposed draft plan included IUCN, GIZ, the World Bank, the European Union, and the Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC).
The partners provided recommendations to strengthen the plan’s implementation and ensure its alignment with Tanzania’s blue economy agenda.
The Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries said the final strategy, once adopted, will guide future policy direction and resource management practices to safeguard biodiversity while fostering sustainable growth in Tanzania’s fisheries sector.