It is early Sunday morning on Tumbatu islet, Zanzibar, an island off the east coast of Tanzania. The air smells of fish as ocean tides crash against the healthy coastline. Didah Seif, a civil servant, carefully descends into an underground cave, holding a flashlight in one hand and a plastic jerry can in the other. This freshwater source, protected by community norms, has survived the impacts of climate change.
Ms. Seif explains that traditional norms guide resource use on the island. For example, fetching water is only permitted in the morning, and human activities near water sources or along the coastline are strictly forbidden.
She says, “There are healthy reefs, mangroves, and freshwater because we adhere to these norms.”
Zanzibar, comprising the islands of Pemba and Unguja, is part of the United Republic of Tanzania. Islanders like Ms. Seif say their cultural norms play a key role in conserving natural resources and mitigating climate change impacts.
The norms dictate when community members can enter forests, preventing the destruction of natural resources. Activities such as night fishing, informal settlements, and agriculture on the islets are prohibited. Ms. Seif explains that women and youth are prohibited from cutting mangroves for fuel or construction purposes in order to protect the trees, which help reduce coastal erosion.
Ms. Seif works for the Zanzibar Marine Conservation Department and is also a certified diver. She notes that traditional rules limit harmful fishing practices, such as using small-mesh nets that damage coral reefs and deplete fish stocks.
The coral reefs, fish stocks, and freshwater are important to the communities of Zanzibar. She says, “Healthy coral reefs around Tumbatu act as natural barriers, reducing storm damage and preventing seawater intrusion. The community also enjoys freshwater from the caves, thanks to these practices.”
Khadija Juma, a public servant in the neighbouring Pemba Island, explains the myths of punishment that come with breaking the rules. She says, “Strangers entering forests alone risk being harmed, disappearing mysteriously, or encountering strange creatures.” These beliefs are passed down through generations, fostering adherence to the rules.
Samira Makame is a forestry officer with the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Pemba. She notes that cultural norms have preserved mangroves and forests, ensuring year-round availability of fruits, vegetables, and mushrooms. These forests provide shade, reduce extreme heat, and clean the air. However, she recognizes the historical gender biases that excluded women from accessing forest resources.
She says, “To address this, we formed collaborative community forest management committees that include both men and women.” This was done through conscious efforts by organizers to address gender equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Through agreements, community members designate specific forest areas for their needs while following conservation guidelines. This initiative has improved women’s access to essential resources like fruits, vegetables, and fish.
Despite these successes, modern influences are challenging traditional practices. Mrs. Makame says young people are increasingly disregarding cultural norms. To counter this, communities enacted bylaws to penalize offenders, ensuring adherence to conservation practices.
Mary Khatibu, a geographer at Zanzibar State University, says intergenerational knowledge-sharing remains vital. Elders in Tumbatu teach younger generations about conservation norms and their significance.
She explains, “For instance, prohibiting water collection from caves at night prevents contamination.” Elders also advise communities on the best times to collect water and when underground water becomes saline.
Mrs. Khatibu adds that seasonal practices, such as closing octopus reefs for three months to allow breeding, further enhances sustainability. She adds, “During specific seasons, fishers stay onshore, meet with elders, and strategize solutions to ocean challenges.”
For Ms. Seif, blending cultural norms, indigenous knowledge, and modern techniques is key to addressing climate change. She says “These practices protect the environment, improve livelihoods, and reduce the impacts of climate change.”
