Mangrove forests are an elementary coastal ecosystem that fulfils important environmental functions: Protection from storm surges, less soil erosion, better water quality. Unfortunately, more and more of these sensitive habitats are being lost. In Zanzibar, too, large areas of mangrove forests are being cleared to produce charcoal. This is killing off one of the most important regional factors for resilience to climate change.
Biovision wants to combine beekeeping with the use of so-called multifunctional trees. These trees not only provide nectar for the bees, but can also be used as firewood and animal feed and at the same time contribute to improving soil quality. As a result, people no longer search for firewood in the mangroves and they are protected.
By linking beekeeping with sustainable forest utilisation, we want to raise awareness of the important functions of mangrove forests in coastal areas and thus curb the overexploitation and deforestation of these fragile ecosystems.
Project name:
Project budget in CHF :
International Insect Research Institute icipe (Kenya)
This project is supported by SDC
The project not only trains farmers in the production of honey. It also focuses on the organic cultivation of avocados and macadamia nuts.
In addition, the farmer groups also receive training in marketing their new sources of income. Thanks to the project, there is now more food for the bees, healthier soil with more firewood and food for the farming families. And the mangrove forests now also enjoy greater protection and appreciation.
The project is designed to achieve self-financing of the activities after Biovision's support ends. To this end, the expertise and management capacities of the local population will be strengthened. In the long term, the farmers involved are to organise themselves into cooperatives. The pilot project should also serve as a model for other parts of Tanzania in the future.
