In recent times, natural resource management has been moving towards a more collaborative and participative management approach. This is no different to the approach adopted by Wetlands International and the Tanzania Forest Service in the Rufiji Delta Mangrove Management Plan which was formulated in 1991.
The review process was initiated by Wetlands International in October 2018 and involved in nature, involving key stakeholders from government agencies, Civil Society Organizations and Citizen Groups. The process involves local aspirations to national, regional and global development and conservation priorities.
A roadmap detailing the steps towards achieving an updated management plan has been developed. It includes a critical review of the gaps, emerging issues in the context of the environment, including changes in policies and legislation, new threats to the ecosystem and sustaining livelihoods of the resource-dependent communities.
The following process is necessary to prepare a draft management plan which will be shared with the communities particularly in the future. approval by the relevant minister.
This management plan is important for the management of mangrove wetlands, which provides essential functions and services to coastal areas, biodiversity and human populations. It will act as a tool to administer, manage, facilitate and control the conversion of mangroves within the delta. It will also serve as a guide for the management of the ecosystem for the biodiversity, tourism, research and education, strengthening of the body responsible for mangrove conservation and restoration.
This review is part of the interventions implemented under the Mangrove Capital Africa program which is supported by DOB Ecology