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In a move towards effective, equitable and gender-responsive marine governance and conservation, the ReSea Project team in Tanzania successfully facilitated the establishment of the National Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMA) Network Governance Structure among marine conservationists. A draft gender-responsive advocacy strategy to support the expansion and management of LMMAs in Tanzania was also developed.

This took place following a four-day workshop at the Ramada Resort in Dar es Salaam, facilitated by ReSea Project partners the International Union for Conservation of Nature (������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ��) and Mission inclusion bringing together 48 key marine conservation stakeholders from 12 districts across Tanzania, both mainland and island, including local and central government representatives as well as community LMMA practitioners.

Led by Seascape Governance Officer Eva Msella with Sulemani Mohamed, Joseph Kimaro and Suzan Kagize, participants collaboratively designed the network governance structure and advocacy strategy to enhance LMMA governance, strengthen conservation efforts, and ensure that women, youth, and marginalized groups are heard and included in decision-making processes that affect their lives and livelihoods in marine resource governance

Locally Managed Marine Areas are coastal areas and associated coastal and marine resources that are largely or wholly managed at a local level by coastal communities, landowners or government representatives. They enable local communities to make decisions on which activities they can and cannot carry out, equipping them to be custodians of their environment for sustainable natural resource management and utilization.

The ReSea Project seeks to provide an open space for community members including women, youth and the marginalized to be involved in activities that reduce their vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. It aims to build a clear understanding of the opportunities, risks and processes involved in the management of LMMAs. Through the establishment of an LMMA network, LMMA practitioners will have the opportunity for evidence-backed peer-to-peer learning from successful LMMAs in the Western Indian Ocean region.

Speaking during the workshop, Abdi Hussein, Principal Fisheries Officer and BMU Coordinator, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries said, "The establishment of the National LMMA Network is a turning point for marine conservation in Tanzania. It demonstrates our commitment to sustainable management that benefits both people and biodiversity.”

The Project also seeks to support local communities, particularly women, youth and the marginalized, to ensure their voices are heard among LMMA practitioners and decision-makers, creating awareness and support for community-led initiatives that address climate change effectively.

"With the drafting of the gender-responsive advocacy strategy, we have set a precedent for marine conservation efforts to be more inclusive. This is about ensuring that women and marginalized communities, who often bear the brunt of environmental changes, are not just acknowledged but actively involved in shaping our future," added Mchanga S. Hamisi, Head of Department of Marine Conservation, Ministry of Blue Economy.

With the support of Global Affairs Canada, we are making a vital step toward a more inclusive and effective approach to marine conservation in Tanzania, ensuring that all voices are heard and that the benefits of sustainable practices are shared equitably.