This Blue Economy Policy is a 10-year nationwide sectoral document representing a guiding framework for the implementation of a sea-based economy characterized by (i) better stewardship of the sea and related resources; (ii) utilization of maritime and marine resources to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth as well as creating employment opportunities; (iii) reaping the economic potential of the sea without depleting the ecosystem; (iv) protection of the marine environment through the sustainable use of biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and coastal resilience. The Policy aims to work in the following priority areas: fisheries and aquaculture, maritime trade and infrastructure, energy, tourism and marine and maritime governance. Its implementation will make Zanzibar the leading hub for blue economy activities in the Western Indian Ocean region, as per the Vision statement. Specifically, the Policy seeks to (i) promote and improve sustainable economic inclusion; (ii) strengthen coordination between multiple economic sectors; (iii) improve food and nutritional security through sustainable management; (iv) empower local communities, especially women and youth; (v) ensure the safety and security of Tanzania’s maritime domain; and (vi) enhance financing and revenue collection. To improve the production, the Policy aims at (i) investing in fisheries value chain development that includes production, processing, value addition and marketing; (ii) promoting and modernizing artisanal fishing practices; (iii) promoting resource use efficiency by identifying high potential aquaculture zones and appropriate production systems, focusing on input availability and accessibility. The document seeks to improve nutritional security through (i) better access to marine and fishery products; (ii) ensuring a consistent supply of products by improving energy security in rural areas through off-grid solutions. In the field of environmental protection, main interventions are aimed at (i) promoting renewable energy use by improving coordination between the public sector and the private sector as well as NGOs; (ii) making Zanzibar a sustainable tourism destination by protecting and promoting its cultural and natural heritage, adopting sustainability practices, focusing on energy and carbon reduction, and habitat and ecosystem improvement; (iii) developing business-friendly regulations in line with best environmental practices; (iv) facilitating coordination to keep the maritime environment safe, secure, and climate-resilient; (v) enhancing the knowledge base for the exploited tuna and other living marine resources by increasing the frequency of scientific assessments. To enhance a more inclusive economic and social growth, the Government will commit to (i) support relevant agri-businesses through diversified financing mechanisms and collective fishermen’s organizations; (ii) empower stakeholders through institutional and farmers’ capacity enhancement as well as effective and efficient extension systems; (iii) strengthen the capability of smallholder fishers to access and utilize marine resources in the EEZ; (iv) promote investments in large-scale national fishing fleets and optimize the commercialization of the deep-sea fishing sector; (v) ensure improved maritime transport infrastructure and cohesive industrial development targeting the commercialization of the seaweed and fisheries sub-sectors to increase manufacturing value-added and improve the balance of trade, building linkages between agriculture and industry, and promoting exports to meet regional and international demand; (vi) develop aquaculture while maintaining support for artisanal fishing; (vii) strengthen the market for aquaculture products, with emphasis on developing industrial potential for refined seaweed and other aquaculture products; (viii) strengthen empowerment and access to financing in targeted sub-sectors; (ix) empower local cultures in order to protect and promote them as tourist attractions. As for Governance, the implementation of this Policy shall be undertaken by an autonomous BE institution to be created within the Ministry responsible for national planning. It shall primarily play a coordinating role and shall also be responsible for managing the Blue Fund and budgeting.
Zanzibar (United Republic of Tanzania) · 2020-10-01