Saving Sea Turtles and Boat Building in Nungwi, Zanzibar

Explore how the Community of Nungwi works together to ensure the survival of Sea Turtles at the Mnarani Conservation Pond

Turtles have not had an easy time in the wild. Their natural habitat is increasingly polluted, and eroded. Now, in the former fishing village of Nungwi, on the island of Zanzibar, Turtles have found allies.

On an island moving fast forward into a modern sustainable economy, villages like Nungwi have embraced eco-tourism as a by product of their beautiful environment.

Mnarani Marine Turtles Conservation Pond

When the Mnarani  Conservation Pond Aquarium started in Nungwi, it provided locals with a new perspective on the viability of live turtles. The Marine Turtle Conservation Pond is set in a tidal-fed pool and is home to green turtles (Chelonia mynas) and hawksbill turtles, (Eretmochelys imbricata).

Blessed with natural beauty, chalk white beaches, and hospitable people, Zanzibar is a melting pot of Bantu and Arab Islamic culture. It is said that Swahili culture is born here and dies in the Congo, as it gets further away from its roots. Coastal villages like Nungwi depend on the sea for their livelihood, whether by boat building, fishing, and more recently, eco-tourism.

This Turtle Conservation Pond is not fancy but it is sufficient, and answers the call to action given by Nelson Mandela (1918-2013), for environmental awareness in Africa.

If we do not do something about it, Africa’s animals, and the places in which they live, will be lost to our world, and her children forever.

Nelson Mandela

The turtles are studied for environmental research and educational purposes, and also generate income via tourism. Because this is a local undertaking by fisherman in the area, the local government has sanctioned the turtles allowed to be kept here.

While at the conservation pond tourists have an opportunity to swim with the turtles. It is a fine balance to bring humans in such close contact with the turtles and still provide for their conservation needs.

Sea Turtles hatch on the nearby island atoll of Mnemba. Consequently, they are nurtured at the conservation pond until they can be returned to the sea. The Mnarani Aquarium offers continued environment education and research opportunities in the effort to save endangered sea turtles.

You will find a whale skeleton on display at Mnarani, from a whale which became beached in the area many years ago, It serves as a reminder of how interconnected the village is with its environment.

Hunting Turtles in Zanzibar was made illegal in 1993, but the enforcement is difficult.  A combination of government and volunteer projects aim to help and protect the turtles because many of their natural habitats are quickly disappearing due to erosion, the building of beach resort villas, and modernisation in general.

Turtle Release

Each year on February 20th, the Conservation Pond releases turtles back to the sea. There is an open invitation for anyone who wishes to participate. It has become a popular event which raises funds for the aquarium. Tickets can be booked in advance for the Turtle release and boats leave from Nungwi with the turtles and participants.

Fishing

One of the things you notice in fishing villages along the coast of Zanzibar is the communal nature of living.  As the tide waxes and wanes, so does life in the palm surrounded, and sand covered villages. 

With a basic economy that is now being supplemented with tourism, fishing is still a main source of  food in coastal villages. Men go out to sea in the late afternoon, and return in the morning with their catch. 

Boat Builders of Nungwi

Various boats can be seen bobbing on the water, from magnificent dhows to basic dugout canoes for single fishermen. Nungwi is a famous boat building centre in Zanzibar. You will find boats under construction along the beach.

Dhows are elegant sail boats which have been used for over 2000yrs in the Indian ocean. They are used by locals as a quick means of transport to get across the island.

 

Swahili culture moves here as it has for centuries. From the island’s past as an Arab and Portuguese trading post to its current incarnation as an exotic eco-tourist destination.  The people here will always be sustained by the fruits of the sea.

Final thoughts

Mnarani is where tourism and conservation intersect. It is one of the few places where one can see and interact with the turtles on their home turf. Here, they are looked after and released back to the wild. Their contribution to our knowledge of their species will aide their preservation for future generations.

General Travel Tips

The most exciting thing about travelling to Africa is being there.  The long preparations; the vaccines, it is all worth it once you arrive at your destination. If it is the first time, there is so much to absorb. If it is not, it is like visiting an old friend.

We will recommend some of the places, and services that we used in our travels.  In addition, we will introduce some of the places that have been recommended by fellow travellers, and knowledgeable local residents.

Do your research: Depending on the time of year you are travelling, the climate may not be what you expect.  Many African countries have the following seasons:  rainy and dry.

Getting there: Airline prices, especially from North America, can vary by thousands of dollars.  Check for seat sales, but keep in mind the cheapest price may not be in your best interest. 

Check Layover countries and season schedules, as I know from personal experience when this is mixed up your connecting flights will also be only a vapour trail.

Complaints and requests for compensation will be slow or may never been acknowledged.

Mid price range seems to be a good rule of thumb. Read reviews.