Zanzibar’s coastal communities are facing growing climate and environmental pressure, including flooding, coastal erosion, degraded mangroves, and poor waste management. The problem is not only environmental; waste blocks drainage systems, creates health risks, and threatens the marine ecosystems that support fisheries and tourism. In Unguja alone, 663 tons of municipal solid waste were produced each day in 2022, while only 120 tons were properly collected and disposed of, and plastic makes up most of the marine litter.
From 1 to 5 June 2026, CAN Tanzania implemented a five-day waste management awareness and environmental stewardship activity in Chuini and Tumbatu Shehia. The initiative brought together 430 participants, including primary and secondary school students, teachers, and community members, through classroom sessions, practical waste sorting, environmental club discussions, and mangrove restoration exercises. The activity involved community-led planting of 2,046 mangrove seedlings in Tumbatu and 260 in Chuini, reinforcing the link between proper waste management and ecosystem protection and, in the long run, increasing community practices towards resilient societies.
The intervention revealed that students already understood the importance of cleanliness, but many still needed stronger knowledge on waste segregation, recycling, and the impacts of plastic pollution. Environmental clubs exist in the schools, but they need more support, regular engagement, and better record-keeping to become stronger platforms for long-term action. Schools also lack enough waste bins, sorting facilities, and proper disposal areas, which limits the daily practice of good waste management.
To make the learning practical, students took part in waste collection and sorting, environmental discussions, and mangrove planting. These hands-on activities helped them connect theory with action and strengthened teamwork, responsibility, and environmental stewardship. The initiative also showed that community participation is strong when schools, local leaders, and civil society work together around a shared purpose.
CAN Tanzania urges all stakeholders, including government entities, private sector partners, non-governmental organizations, and community members, to come together in a unified effort to tackle the pressing waste management challenges in Zanzibar. Effective waste management is not just a necessity for a cleaner environment but also a crucial step towards safeguarding public health and preserving the natural beauty of our islands.
In addition, collective effort is crucial for the community-led mangrove restoration efforts in Zanzibar. Investing in the restoration of these invaluable ecosystems can significantly strengthen our communities’ ability to withstand environmental challenges. Let’s collaborate, innovate, and take action to ensure a sustainable future for Zanzibar.