Marine Wetland Interactions and Policy in Tanzania

Abstract

The marine wetland habitat types of Tanzania are defined. The interactions between the ecosystems supporting these habitats are briefly described. The connections between these habitats demand a multi-sectoral approach to their management and the concept ofintegrated management, and its application to the marine wetlands of Mafia Island, ispresented. Guidelines for the legislation and administration of such areas are also presented. The problems of implementation of such a policy in Tanzania and the suitability of thisconcept to the management of terrestrial wetlands is discussed. The Ramsar Convention defines marine wetlands as those areas from the highest extent of the tide to six metres below lowest tide level. This definition of marine wetlands includes asignificant proportion of Tanzania's 900 km long, narrow coastal zone. The coastal zonesupports a number of economically and socially important natural resources as well aspossessing areas of international, regional and national significance with regard toconservation.