A KEY United Nations agency has expressed its readiness to offer dedicated efforts, professional assistance, technology and expertise to strengthen the blue economy in Zanzibar.

Audrey Azoulay, the director general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) made this affirmation yesterday in a State House audience with Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi.

The Isles leader had issued a request to the UNESCO delegation in the talks, seeking assistance for the development of Zanzibar’s blue economy, a sector he said was crucial for the island's economy.

He described the blue economy as a key priority for the government, thus seeking additional support in the form of professional expertise, technology and funding to ensure its sustainability, facilitating efforts to harness abundant resources available in territorial waters.

The blue economy offers numerous opportunities to drive development, foster economic growth, create jobs and improve livelihoods, he said, appreciating UNESCO collaboration with Zanzibar in this regard.

Addressing challenges in preserving the Stone Town, he stressed the need to maintain its historical character and heritage, with substantial renovations to many buildings and adjustments to vehicle traffic management reflecting the current environment, “all while ensuring minimal disruption to the daily lives of its residents.”

The UN executive assured the president that the organisation will maintain collaboration with the government to promote sustainable development across various sectors, aware that the Zanzibar government is undertaking various reforms to develop the blue economy, focusing on sectors like fishing and agriculture to boost revenue and employment on the islands.

Strategies that the Isles authorities have adopted include modern irrigation plans aimed at increasing farmers' incomes through more productive methods. Seaweed farming, introduced in the 1980s, has become a lifeline for many coastal communities, offering income opportunities and fostering gender equality.

 The sector has employed over 23,000 people, the majority of whom are women, and has seen significant progress in production, rising from 8,785 tonnes valued at 5.38bn/- in 2020 to 16,653 tonnes worth 16.35bn/- in 2023.

Marine tourism is another pillar of Zanzibar’s maritime economy, with pristine beaches, coral reefs and cultural heritage drawing hundreds of thousands of new visitors annually.

 The government’s focus on sustainable marine tourism has led to initiatives such as marine protected areas, eco-tourism ventures and community-led conservation projects.

Despite its progress, Zanzibar’s blue economy faces challenges, including climate change, overfishing and inadequate infrastructure. Rising sea levels and ocean acidification pose significant threats to coastal ecosystems and livelihoods.

To address these issues, the government has partnered with international organisations to implement climate-resilient practices and technologies, ministerial reports affirm.