Participants of a 14-day leadership and coastal resource management training have been urged to apply transparency, fairness, and accountability in managing marine resources to safeguard the livelihoods of communities along Tanzania’s coastline.
The call was made by the Director of Training, Research and Extension Services at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Mr. Samwel Mdachi, when closing the training held at the Fisheries Education and Training Agency (FETA) from April 8 to April 21, 2026, involving 12 participants.
Mr. Mdachi stressed that the training would only be meaningful if participants translate the knowledge gained into practical action in their respective areas of work, noting that coastal and marine resources require high levels of professionalism and integrity.
He urged them to apply the skills acquired to address conflicts peacefully, especially in coastal areas where competition over fishing grounds and marine resources often leads to disputes.
“This training must go beyond the classroom. You are expected to return to your communities and improve how resources are managed, while promoting peaceful resolution of conflicts,” he said.
He further emphasized that effective management of coastal resources is vital for economic growth, food security, and environmental sustainability, given the important role the coastline plays in supporting livelihoods.
For his part, the Director General of FETA, Dr. Semvua Mzighani, said the institution will continue working with development partners to strengthen education and capacity building in the fisheries sector.
He noted that the training was implemented in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) under the ReSea project, which focuses on strengthening marine conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources.
Dr. Mzighani said FETA remains committed to ensuring that knowledge reaches both professionals and communities that depend directly on coastal and marine resources.
“Our goal is to continue working with partners so that skills and knowledge reach the grassroots level, enabling communities to manage their resources sustainably,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of IUCN, Marine Conservation Programme Manager Mr. Joseph Orila said the initiative aims to train trainers who will later pass on knowledge to other stakeholders in coastal areas, including Pemba and Tanga.
He said the program seeks to enhance knowledge, skills, and capacity in coastal resource management while also strengthening governance systems in fishing communities.
“Our focus is to build a strong network of trained individuals who will continue sharing knowledge within their communities, improving management of coastal resources,” he said.
Earlier, FETA training coordinator Dr. Milali Machumu said the program was designed to strengthen leadership and administrative systems in coastal regions of Tanga and Pemba, with the goal of empowering communities to manage their resources effectively.
He said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve governance and ensure that coastal communities play an active role in sustainable resource management.
During the closing ceremony, the guest of honour officially launched the curriculum and training manual on leadership and coastal resource management, which will guide future training and standardize knowledge delivery across coastal areas.
The event brought together government officials, training experts, and conservation partners, who all emphasized the importance of collaboration in protecting and sustainably managing Tanzania’s marine resources.
