Researcchers analying vegetation at kiwani islets - Zanzibar [picture by Yussuf Kombo, January 2011] KIWANI ISLET AND BUMBWINI BAY IN NUT SHELL.
The silet is found in North east coast of Zanzibar main islet, located in Bumbwini bay between four wards (shehia) namely Mafufuni, Donge Muwanda and Kiongwe. All three wards are claiming owners of the islets.
The silet is found in North east coast of Zanzibar main islet, located in Bumbwini bay between four wards (shehia) namely Mafufuni, Donge Muwanda and Kiongwe. All three wards are claiming owners of the islets.
Bumbwini bay is the second largest mangroves jungle in the island of Unguja accounting about 200ha with almost all 10 mangroves species found in Zanzibar in varrying densisty.
Bumbwini – Mkokotoni Mangroves Area (BMMA) is the second largest mangroves area in Zanzibar second to the Jozani Chwaka Bay Mangroves Conservation Area. BMMA is the only remaining extensive outstanding and most natural mangroves forest in the North of Unguja Island with potential eager communities. If BMMA is to survive for the next generations, then its biodiversity conservation status should be seriously upgraded. Up grading of the biodiversity need more emphasis on tree planting, research and community trainings on resources management.
The Bumbwini -Mkokotoni Mangroves Ara [BMMA]:
· Is the largest refuge for many animal species that used to occupy most of the Northern mangroves of Unguja islands
· Contains birds and animals species of national and international significance (Red Colobus Monkeys have recently been spotted rooming mangroves of Fujoni villages.
· Contains a remarkable fish variety of habitats with a high biological diversity,
· Is an important resource base for inhabitants of adjacent villages,
· Has high ecotourism potential due to its nature, diversity and presence of red colobus monkeys.
· Has educational value to school children.
· A crucial water shade in Zanzibar where five important rivers of Zanzibar discharge their waters into the sea.
The Bumbwini bay is located within 5.90-5.95°S and 39.20-39.25°E on the northwest coast of Unguja Island, Zanzibar (Figure 1). It is sheltered by the much smaller Tumbatu Island, which is located about 5 km offshore to the north. The bay has a total surface area of about 60 km2 and average depth of 5m with an estimated water volume of about 100x106 m3. Local climate of the Bay is characterized by two rainy seasons, the long rains occur in March, April and May and the short rains during October, November and December. Therefore March-May and October-December constitute the wet season in Zanzibar. January-February and June-September constitute the dry season in Zanzibar. The estimated population of the district that is going to benefit from the project is 53,602 inhabitants of which 26,372 males and 26,233 female with an average house hold size of 5.0.
Mangrove resource of research area.
Mangrove forests are considered as critical habitats with great ecological and social economic values. The Bumbwini–Mkokotoni bay mangroves are source of firewood, charcoal, building poles and materials for boat construction. Mangrove forests harbor varieties of endangered species and reduce coastal erosion. They are also a great tourist attraction. Mangrove significantly enhance the biodiversity of surrounding marine habitats while providing vital habitat for migratory birds, feeding and breeding grounds for marine turtles, shrimps and dugongs. There are presently about 200 ha of mangroves in Bumbwini-Mkokotoni bay scattered in 21 villages mostly in Mkokotoni, Mto wa pwani, Pale, Misufini, Makoba, Mangapwani, Fujoni, Kiomba mvua, Kiongwe, Mkadini, and Donge Muwanda
The bay apart of being important mangrove ecosystem also is the largest water catchment’s area in Zanzibar, referred to as the Mahonda - Makoba drainage basin. It drains rice farms, sugar cane plantations, a sugar factory and a rubber factory. Three main rivers with multiple rivulets provide a substantial amount of freshwater input directly to the bay, namely the Mwanakombo, Zingwezingwe and Kipange rivers. These rivers have a total watershed area of 150 km2 with a total mean discharge of 24x106m3yr-1 or about 70x103m3d-1. Untreated sewage is usually dumped directly into the bay. Industrial and agro-chemicals are also commonly applied, and the runoff from these also flows into the bay. Therefore any management approach of the Bay should keep in consideration the impact could be caused on the bay due to mismanagement of mangrove ecosystem and drainage basin in the area (TAF, 2010).
Many studies have recognized and addressed efforts set out by Bumbwini – Mkokotoni Bay communities in planting mangroves in degraded areas and conservation of marine environments but many questions remain about how to bring back the ecosystem functions of the original forests and sustainable conservation of marine environments while continuing deriving benefits from it. This project will focus on restoration of mangrove forests ecosystems and increase public awareness on the importance of conserving marine environments and surrounding drainage basins as an environmental conservation approach. 18 wards/shehias are to be covered in this Project with almost 40 villages including most degraded villages of Mkokotoni, Mto wa pwani, Pale, Makoba, Manga pwani, Fujoni, Kiomba mvua, Donge mchangani, Mkadini, Zingwezingwe, Kiomba mvua, Mahonda, Donge mnyimbi, Donge mtambile, Donge karange, Donge mbiji, Donge Kipange, Donge vijibweni and Donge Muwanda. These villages consist of communities that either directly or indirectly depends on the bay resources for their subsistence. There is great need of making these communities more aware of the importance of available resources and danger entails by misusing them (TAF, 2010).
Historical background of the islet
Kiwani Islet situated near to Mafufuni village of Bumbwini zone. Before 1980 the Islet was virgin and peaceful place to community and wild life ecosystem with varieties of birds. The islet was very important place for camping and rest site to fisher men. Sailor from Pemba enjoyed taking rest in this place. The name Kiwani is believed to be brought by Pemba fishermen who related the island with their village in Pemba.
Fishing and collection of sea shells was common livelihood activities for food and income regenerating source. The area natured with good soil patches that supported survival of some trees of big diameter and huge canopy. Native upland plants like Mbura (Parinari curatellifolia), and Mkonge (Prostia bibracteata) reported to exist, meanwhile one coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) also seen.
In 1980 human forest needs activities of the surroundings villages of the Islet like Mafufuni and Misufini and even others from far like Tumbatu and Nungwi raised in alarming rate and villagers were not engaged themselves in protection of their resources. Uncontrolled harvesting of forest resources caused deforestation of existed vegetation done under various aspects including:-
Digging of sea worms done by fishermen forced many trees to come down and soil erosion.
Cutting of construction poles.
Harvesting of fuel wood and burning of charcoal.
Cutting of boat and dhow ribs.
Their activities lead to submerging of the Islet and plant species disappearing. Wild life ecosystem also disturbed and many kind of potential birds escaping the Islet do to their accommodation alteration.
Do to the resulted problems we need quick measures to reclaim this situation, although some measures are already taken by some Institutions like MACEMP.
Bumbwini – Mkokotoni Mangroves Area (BMMA) is the second largest mangroves area in Zanzibar second to the Jozani Chwaka Bay Mangroves Conservation Area. BMMA is the only remaining extensive outstanding and most natural mangroves forest in the North of Unguja Island with potential eager communities. If BMMA is to survive for the next generations, then its biodiversity conservation status should be seriously upgraded. Up grading of the biodiversity need more emphasis on tree planting, research and community trainings on resources management.
The Bumbwini -Mkokotoni Mangroves Ara [BMMA]:
· Is the largest refuge for many animal species that used to occupy most of the Northern mangroves of Unguja islands
· Contains birds and animals species of national and international significance (Red Colobus Monkeys have recently been spotted rooming mangroves of Fujoni villages.
· Contains a remarkable fish variety of habitats with a high biological diversity,
· Is an important resource base for inhabitants of adjacent villages,
· Has high ecotourism potential due to its nature, diversity and presence of red colobus monkeys.
· Has educational value to school children.
· A crucial water shade in Zanzibar where five important rivers of Zanzibar discharge their waters into the sea.
The Bumbwini bay is located within 5.90-5.95°S and 39.20-39.25°E on the northwest coast of Unguja Island, Zanzibar (Figure 1). It is sheltered by the much smaller Tumbatu Island, which is located about 5 km offshore to the north. The bay has a total surface area of about 60 km2 and average depth of 5m with an estimated water volume of about 100x106 m3. Local climate of the Bay is characterized by two rainy seasons, the long rains occur in March, April and May and the short rains during October, November and December. Therefore March-May and October-December constitute the wet season in Zanzibar. January-February and June-September constitute the dry season in Zanzibar. The estimated population of the district that is going to benefit from the project is 53,602 inhabitants of which 26,372 males and 26,233 female with an average house hold size of 5.0.
Mangrove resource of research area.
Mangrove forests are considered as critical habitats with great ecological and social economic values. The Bumbwini–Mkokotoni bay mangroves are source of firewood, charcoal, building poles and materials for boat construction. Mangrove forests harbor varieties of endangered species and reduce coastal erosion. They are also a great tourist attraction. Mangrove significantly enhance the biodiversity of surrounding marine habitats while providing vital habitat for migratory birds, feeding and breeding grounds for marine turtles, shrimps and dugongs. There are presently about 200 ha of mangroves in Bumbwini-Mkokotoni bay scattered in 21 villages mostly in Mkokotoni, Mto wa pwani, Pale, Misufini, Makoba, Mangapwani, Fujoni, Kiomba mvua, Kiongwe, Mkadini, and Donge Muwanda
The bay apart of being important mangrove ecosystem also is the largest water catchment’s area in Zanzibar, referred to as the Mahonda - Makoba drainage basin. It drains rice farms, sugar cane plantations, a sugar factory and a rubber factory. Three main rivers with multiple rivulets provide a substantial amount of freshwater input directly to the bay, namely the Mwanakombo, Zingwezingwe and Kipange rivers. These rivers have a total watershed area of 150 km2 with a total mean discharge of 24x106m3yr-1 or about 70x103m3d-1. Untreated sewage is usually dumped directly into the bay. Industrial and agro-chemicals are also commonly applied, and the runoff from these also flows into the bay. Therefore any management approach of the Bay should keep in consideration the impact could be caused on the bay due to mismanagement of mangrove ecosystem and drainage basin in the area (TAF, 2010).
Many studies have recognized and addressed efforts set out by Bumbwini – Mkokotoni Bay communities in planting mangroves in degraded areas and conservation of marine environments but many questions remain about how to bring back the ecosystem functions of the original forests and sustainable conservation of marine environments while continuing deriving benefits from it. This project will focus on restoration of mangrove forests ecosystems and increase public awareness on the importance of conserving marine environments and surrounding drainage basins as an environmental conservation approach. 18 wards/shehias are to be covered in this Project with almost 40 villages including most degraded villages of Mkokotoni, Mto wa pwani, Pale, Makoba, Manga pwani, Fujoni, Kiomba mvua, Donge mchangani, Mkadini, Zingwezingwe, Kiomba mvua, Mahonda, Donge mnyimbi, Donge mtambile, Donge karange, Donge mbiji, Donge Kipange, Donge vijibweni and Donge Muwanda. These villages consist of communities that either directly or indirectly depends on the bay resources for their subsistence. There is great need of making these communities more aware of the importance of available resources and danger entails by misusing them (TAF, 2010).
Historical background of the islet
Kiwani Islet situated near to Mafufuni village of Bumbwini zone. Before 1980 the Islet was virgin and peaceful place to community and wild life ecosystem with varieties of birds. The islet was very important place for camping and rest site to fisher men. Sailor from Pemba enjoyed taking rest in this place. The name Kiwani is believed to be brought by Pemba fishermen who related the island with their village in Pemba.
Fishing and collection of sea shells was common livelihood activities for food and income regenerating source. The area natured with good soil patches that supported survival of some trees of big diameter and huge canopy. Native upland plants like Mbura (Parinari curatellifolia), and Mkonge (Prostia bibracteata) reported to exist, meanwhile one coconut tree (Cocos nucifera) also seen.
In 1980 human forest needs activities of the surroundings villages of the Islet like Mafufuni and Misufini and even others from far like Tumbatu and Nungwi raised in alarming rate and villagers were not engaged themselves in protection of their resources. Uncontrolled harvesting of forest resources caused deforestation of existed vegetation done under various aspects including:-
Digging of sea worms done by fishermen forced many trees to come down and soil erosion.
Cutting of construction poles.
Harvesting of fuel wood and burning of charcoal.
Cutting of boat and dhow ribs.
Their activities lead to submerging of the Islet and plant species disappearing. Wild life ecosystem also disturbed and many kind of potential birds escaping the Islet do to their accommodation alteration.
Do to the resulted problems we need quick measures to reclaim this situation, although some measures are already taken by some Institutions like MACEMP.
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