Encouraging local livelihood development and sustainable forest use in Zanzibar

Kiwengwa ecotourism project (KIWA) and Forest Conservation by Livelihood Development in

Zanzibar (LIVE)

16.6.2010Salla Eilola

Geographical Society of Turku

Need for eco- and socially responsible tourism in Zanzibar

• Tourism is a major sector in the economy.

• The coastal areas are affected by the tourism the most eg. by occation prohibiting locals´ usage of beaches.

• Little livelihood opportunities for locals.

• Increased demand on natural resources of the existing forests.

The two projects

Three year projects

Project partners:

– Department of Commercial Crops, Fruits and Forestry of Zanzibar (DCCFF)

– Geographical Society of Turku

Funding:

– Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland

– Cash cotributions and fund raising

Some DCCFF employees.

Kiwengwa ecotourism project KIWA • DCCFF from Zanzibar contacted Department of geography

at University of Turku in 2004 asking partnership in developing a tourist attraction at Kiwegwa caves.

• Project period 2006-2008

Objectives of KIWA

• Diversify livelihoods and employment opportunities by creating a tourist attraction in coral caves near the Kiwengwa village.

• Provide income earning alternatives to women.

• Increase environmental awareness of villagers and tourists.

• Support the capasity of village Forestry committee by collaborating with it.

• Enhance sustainable use of forest resources and decrease pressure on the less utilized forest areas near the village.

Map of the cave site

By Nora Fagerholm and Mika Orjala

Achievements of KIWA

• Information center and other infrastucture was constructed at the caves.

• Nature trails and small botanical garden was established.

• Market place for locally produced products was build.

• Ecotourism site was opened officially for tourists in 2009.

• The construction of the infrastructure employed local craftsmen and villagers were hired as guides for the site.

• Groups of school children have been visiting the site for environmental education.

• Web page of the project was created and brochures adverticing the site were produced.

• The DCCFF took responsibility of managing the site at the end of 2008.

Forest Conservation by Livelihood Development in Zanzibar LIVE project

• Up scaling livelihood development into covering 11 villages around Kiwengwa-Pongwe Forest Reserve.

• Project period 2009-2011

Women groups produce handicrafts and vegetables etc.

LIVE and the benefits from tourism

• Main objectives of the project are to protect the Kiwengwa-Pongwe Forest Reserve and improve livelihoods of the locals.

• In over 30 livelihood groups which receive help in initial investments eg. tools as well as training on resource management and production practices.

• Potential products sold to tourists: handicrafts, honey, vegetables, eggs, poultry meat etc.

• Encourage entrepreneurship in service provision to tourists.

• DCCFF can mediate at first between the hotel owners and villagers to establish contacts for market opportunities.

• Advertising of the Kiwengwa caves site continues.

Important aspects in the projects

• Local people feel they are genuinely a crucial part in the development and they see the potential benefits of tourism.

• Encouragement to innovate enterprices based on local skills, know-how and culture.

• Enhancing cooperation and peer-support among the livelihood groups and other local actors.

• Taking account the self-sustainability of the livelihood development and nature conservation activities already in project planning phase.

• The projects should just offer initial capital which is lacking and thus help the locals to get started.

• After the KIWA project cooperation with the local partner DCCFF continues.

More information:

http://tms.utu.fi/kiwa/index.htm

http://tms.utu.fi/Live.htm

http://zanzibarlive.blogspot.com/