Mwinyi urges action on tourism, fisheries threats
ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Hussein Mwinyi has called for united efforts to combat the escalating threats posed by human activities, climate change and environmental degradation to Zanzibar’s vital fisheries and tourism sectors.
President Mwinyi made the appeal yesterday during his address at the inaugural ‘Zanzibar Small Islands Investment Forum,’ organised by the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) in collaboration with USAID’s ‘Heshimu Bahari’ initiative.
“It is crucial that we collectively act to preserve and safeguard these invaluable resources,” emphasised Dr Mwinyi.
Addressing the participants here, President Mwinyi said that the forum is timely as the world is facing challenges of climate change.
During his address, President Mwinyi highlighted the strategic decision of his government to lease small islands to potential investors interested in establishing high-end, eco-friendly resorts.
“This move has led to the registration of 16 projects totaling 384 million US dollars in capital investment, expected to create over 7,000 jobs for local residents,” he announced proudly.
“I am pleased to announce that some of these projects will soon be officially launched, contributing significantly to our country’s economic development,” he added, commending ZIPA and USAID’s ‘Heshimu Bahari’ for their commitment to promoting sustainable investments that respect Zanzibar’s natural and cultural heritage.
Dr Mwinyi pointed out that the forum marks a significant milestone in collective efforts to explore and harness investment opportunities that will not only promote economic growth but also ensure the sustainable use of precious marine resources and ecosystems surrounding the Islands.
“It is my expectation that this forum will play an important role in advising the investors and those who have their daily activities around the islets to understand the importance of conserving and protecting these precious resources that we have for the economic and sustainable development of our country,” he said.
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Dr Mwinyi informed the gathering that the Zanzibar government through Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) and other government institutions responsible for investment facilitation will continue to work together with investors in making sure that the projects are environment friendly and beneficial.
He said that Zanzibar’s Development Vision 2050 recognises Blue Economy as a distinct priority area to diversify Zanzibar’s economy, catalysing its transformation from subsistence-based agriculture and tourism-led services to higher value-added services.
The Isles President informed the participants that he believes economic growth and environmental stewardship are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary goals that can and must be pursued together.
“I’m pleased to know that USAID through ‘Heshimu Bahari’ project is working with different government and private entities to address the challenges and obstacles of marine conservation across Tanzania,” he said.
The collaboration between USAID Heshimu Bahari and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Dr Mwinyi said, “exemplifies the kind of partnerships we need to foster and by working together, we can leverage international expertise and local knowledge to create innovative solutions that benefit both our environment and our people.”
Dr Mwinyi explained that the Zanzibar government has embarked on implementing mega-blue economy strategic projects such as the Mangapwani Integrated Port, Renewable Energy Projects, Exploration of Oil and Gas, Marine Transportation and Infrastructural Projects to mention a few across the country.
He promised “We welcome all potential investors to take advantage of investing in these mega projects. My government will continue to improve the business environment in Zanzibar to make it more conducive and investor friendly by increasing incentives and improving investment service delivery.
