Mnazi Bay-Ruvumba Estuary Marine Park
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The Mnazi Bay-Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park (MBREMP) was established on 1st July 2000 under the Act No. 29 of 1994 of Marine Parks and Reserves of Tanzania.
The park is in Mtwara district in the Southeast tip of Tanzania bordering Mozambique. The Park includes mangroves, two islands and covers an area of approximately 650 square kilometres of which 430 square kilometres is covered by water.
Close to 30,000 people live within the park, depending mainly on marine resources for their livelihoods. There are few opportunities for development hence poverty is rife. This has created an over dependence on marine resources and the persistent use of destructive fishing methods.
[edit] Purposes and objectives
The purposes of establishing the MBREMP include:
- To protect, conserve and restore the species and genetic diversity of marine and coastal resources and ecosystems in the area;
- to manage the marine and coastal area so as to promote the sustainable use of resources;
- to ensure that local residents share in the benefits of the MPA and have priority in the resource use and economic opportunities afforded by the establishment of the Park.
[edit] Natural resources in the park
Coral Reefs: Over 258 species are found in the area with a high recovery rate from recent bleaching events.
Mangrove Forest: The second largest mangrove forest in Tanzania with a total of 9 species.
Fish: More than 400 species found in the area with the potential for both commercial and subsistence fisheries.
Marine Mammals: Whales and Dolphins visit the area seasonally (August to November).
Natural Gas: Found in the area with exploratory drilling in progress.
Sand Dunes: The highest in eastern Africa with unique vegetation.
Coastal Forests: Containing a variety of species with a varying status (rare, endemic, etc).
Ruvuma River Estuary: Home to crocodiles, hippos, terrapins, fish, etc. The river and riverine ecosystem are a potential site for eco-tourism.
