HELP WILDLIFE
Read on to discover how we can all take action to help Zanzibar Wildlife thrive.
Create space for nature
TUNZA MAZINGIRA YAKUTUNZE!
Zanzibar’s precious wild species and ecosystems are under pressure from rapidly expanding tourism and urban development and depend on us to leave space in our landscape for wildlife to find refuge.
Nature takes care of itself – native species are adapted to our climate: they need less care, water and modified soil than species from other parts of the world.
Nature takes care of us – indigenous landscapes shelter pollinators and pest controllers, provide traditional medicinal cures, culinary herbs, spices, staples and superfoods, and filter and absorb rainwater into the ground to replenish our wells.
Nature enriches our lives and livelihoods – nature supports livelihoods in farming, fisheries and tourism (81% world travellers prioritise sustainability).
Ask www.OurGreen.Company to help you enhance nature in your landscape, identify the wild plants and animals around you, and use ecological gardening techniques to transform your gardens into a tranquil wildlife refuge.
Nurture native plants
Native local species are adapted to – and thrive in – the local climate without needing constant care and watering. They also are host to beautiful birds and butterflies, and help pollinators thrive.
Our experts are compiling lists to help you choose the best indigenous species for your spaces.
Control invasive species
Some exotic species introduced by people can displace local wildlife. Excluding them from our landscape enhances local biodiversity. Learn how!
Restore coral rag
Learn how to safeguard Zanzibar’s dry dwarf forests known as Coral Rag that fringe the island and are most at risk of destruction. Download the poster here in English and Kiswahili.
Choose sustainable food
From land
By eating locally-grown, fresh organic produce we can safeguard soils and pollinators, birds and reptiles, and other plants and animals important for pest control. As well as feeding our bodies with nutrient rich food, minimising food miles, supporting local farmers and keeping toxic chemicals out of the water we drink! We are organic! Sisi ni kilimohai!
And sea
In the marine environment too, our diet choices affect wildlife. Chumbe Island Coral Park are developing a guide to sustainable seafood to help us make more ethical choices – to support sustainable fisheries and livelihoods and protect vulnerable marine ecosystems from overexploitation.
Do you know where your waste goes?
There’s no such place as “away”
Waste less
Too much waste in Zanzibar ends up in wild spaces where it is eaten by wild and domestic animals, harms wildlife, blocks drains, encourages pests and disease, looks awful, and gets into our food! Yet most people and companies in Zanzibar don’t know where their waste goes after it’s thrown ‘away’.
Conduct a waste audit – find out how much waste you produce of different materials, and where it goes after it’s taken away.
Support community clean ups and recycling initiatives – or get them started.
Reduce, reuse & Recycle – strive to cut out waste from your lives, one category at a time.
Follow best practice watching Wildlife
At leisure, as well as at home and work, we can follow good practice to respect the wild places we visit to watch wildlife.
We have put together a list of relevant Wildlife Watching Guidelines to help you be safe and have a fantastic time discovering Zanzibar’s wildlife – while protecting our natural heritage.
Pledge your support for a Greener Zanzibar
Sign the Zanzibar Declaration on Sustainable Tourism
If you like these ideas, you’ll love the Zanzibar Declaration on Sustainable Tourism. Sign up here and find like-minded people among the working groups for the five commitments which include sustainable food, waste, energy, culture and – of course – space for nature.