Project Overview:
The degradation of coastal ecosystems due to improper seaweed post-harvest management is a pressing environmental concern in Tanzania. This issue is intricately tied to climate change since healthy coastal ecosystems, especially mangroves and seagrass beds, are pivotal in carbon sequestration and in tempering the impacts of climate change. Suboptimal post-harvest practices lead to the diminishment of invaluable seaweed resources and amplify the release of greenhouse gases, intensifying the adversities of climate change.
​
The primary objective of our project is to evaluate the current status of seaweed post-harvest management along the Tanzanian coast and to proffer actionable guidelines for more sustainable methodologies. Through this endeavor, our aspirations are to bolster climate resilience in coastal areas, curtail carbon emissions, and conserve the crucial marine ecosystems.
​
To this end, we have undertaken meticulous field surveys and liaised with local seaweed cultivators, processing professionals, and community constituents along the Tanzanian coastline. By conducting workshops and interviews, we have procured insightful data concerning prevailing post-harvest methods, waste disposal techniques, and community outlooks on the matter. These endeavours have directly impacted over 300 individuals, fostering an understanding of the symbiotic relationship between proficient seaweed management and climate change resilience.
To quantify our efforts, the metrics are as follows:
-
Engagement with 320 individuals via workshops and interviews.
-
Evaluation of post-harvest methods in 5 coastal communities.
-
Systematic documentation of waste disposal techniques and their ecological repercussions.
-
Analytical estimation of potential reductions in carbon emissions with enhanced management techniques.
Looking ahead, our strategy is to amalgamate our observations into a comprehensive research document, replete with cogent suggestions for sustainable seaweed post-harvest practices. We aim to foster collaborations with regional stakeholders, governmental bodies, and ecological associations to efficaciously execute these recommendations. To realize our forthcoming objectives, financial backing is imperative. The funds will be allocated for data analysis, report compilation, community outreach programs, and capacity enhancement seminars. Moreover, a well-funded initiative will facilitate the widespread distribution of our research findings, which could be pivotal in steering policy amendments and catalyzing a more widespread transition to sustainable seaweed management, thus accentuating climate change mitigation and enhancing regional livelihoods.
​
This initiative envisions a symbiotic dynamic between coastal populations, marine biomes, and climate resilience. By addressing the crucial concern of seaweed post-harvest management in Tanzania, we anticipate engendering a cascade of positive impacts that will benefit both the environment and its inhabitants.
​
​
References:
​
Smith, S. V., & Carter, V. (2019). Seagrass ecosystems and the blue carbon reservoir. Annual Review of Marine Science, 11, 177-200.
UNEP. (2020). Emissions Gap Report 2020. United Nations Environment Programme.
Narvaez, D., & Gibbs, L. (2018). Marine resource management in the coral triangle: Seaweed farming in the Philippines and Indonesia. Coastal Management, 46(1), 20-39.
