CFP Leads the Process of Establishing CoFMA in Pemba to Protect Mangrove Forests

By Khelef Nassor

Community Forests Pemba (CFP), in collaboration with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar through the Department of Forests, the Department of Environment, the Land Commission, shehia leaders, and local communities, has officially initiated the process of establishing Community Forest Management Agreements (CoFMA) in Pemba. This step aims to strengthen community participation in the sustainable management of mangrove forests.

The main goal of CoFMA is to ensure that mangrove forests are protected from destruction and uncontrolled cutting, which contribute to the worsening effects of climate change. Mangroves are a vital shield for coastlines and communities, preventing soil erosion and absorbing carbon dioxide.

The process began with land survey exercises to identify conservation zones, which included mapping shehia boundaries and designating specific areas for conservation and others for sustainable community use.

Experts from the Land Commission have been tasked with leading the surveying exercise in close collaboration with shehia leaders and local residents to ensure transparency and collective participation at every stage.

Once the surveying exercise is complete, the next step will be the development of maps for the designated areas. These maps will serve as a clear guide for both communities and stakeholders, providing accurate identification of conservation zones and areas earmarked for sustainable use.

Through these maps, communities will have a shared reference to clearly defined boundaries, helping reduce land-use conflicts and enhancing collective accountability in protecting mangrove forests.

The surveying exercise is ongoing in various areas for the conservation of mangroves

The establishment of CoFMA is part of the ZanzADAPT project, implemented by CFP in partnership with Community Forests International (CFI) and the Tanzania Media Women’s Association (TAMWA Zanzibar), with funding from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.

Speaking on the milestone, Omar Mtarika Msellem, Director of Operations for the ZanzADAPT project at CFP, said that once the areas are officially identified, communities themselves will develop by-laws for conservation to guide the use and protection of mangroves.
“This is not something led by CFP alone, it is a community-owned process. They will be the custodians of these agreements and the ones to decide on the conservation by-laws that will guide them,” Msellem explained.

The exercise is taking place in four shehias covered by the project: Kambini, Mchangamdogo, Chwale, and Kiuyu. These areas are rich in mangroves but also face serious threats of destruction from human activities.

Asha Yussuf Nour, CFP’s Mangrove Officer, noted that the process has been very well received by local communities. Since its launch, local governments and shehia leaders have been actively supporting the effort.
“We are encouraged to see how actively people are participating. They have attended meetings, shared ideas, and worked hand-in-hand with survey experts to ensure every area is properly mapped,” said Asha.

Awesi Sharif Kombo, a Land Surveying Officer from the Land Commission, emphasized the significance of the activity. “You cannot undertake conservation without first identifying the boundaries of the land. This is the first step in laying the foundation for protecting our resources,” he explained.

Community members themselves have also expressed their satisfaction with being directly involved in the process. They said the initiative has increased their awareness of the value of mangroves and their role in safeguarding forests for both present and future generations.

Sharif Juma Omar, Chairperson of the Kiuyu Minungwini patrol committee, said community participation marks an important milestone. “In the past, we used to see mangroves simply as trees to cut for timber. But now, we understand their true value in protecting our environment and our lives,” he said.

He also stressed that mangroves are not only an environmental shield but also an economic opportunity. Women engaged in fish farming and honey harvesting groups expressed their hopes that mangrove conservation would help them secure sustainable livelihoods.

The CoFMA process has also been embraced as a platform for building social cohesion. People from diverse groups are working together more closely, strengthening unity and cooperation within the communities.

Shehia leaders praised CFP and its partners for ensuring that government, communities, and private stakeholders are all part of the process. They highlighted that for the first time, citizens are seeing the results of being included in decision-making regarding their natural resources.

The ZanzADAPT project continues to demonstrate that environmental solutions can be achieved through collaboration between government, communities, and development partners. This CoFMA initiative is expected to serve as a model for other parts of Zanzibar.

Through this process, Pemba is poised to set a positive precedent in the management of mangrove forests. This milestone offers hope that future generations will inherit safe resources, resilient ecosystems, and communities united in protecting and nurturing Zanzibar’s natural heritage.