Expanding forest restoration and sustainable tourism to protect biodiversity in Zanzibar: TUI Care Foundation launches new phase of TUI Forest in Zanzibar

• Project plants over 60,000 native trees and strengthens biodiversity protection around Masingini Forest National Park
• Community engagement through conservation education, forest protection and sustainable tourism initiatives involves more than 700 students from local communities
• Projects are launched as part of TUI Care Foundation’s ‘Forest February’, which emphasises the importance of global reforestation

Masingini Forest National Park, located just eight kilometres from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town, is a critical ecological area and a key source of groundwater for the island’s capital. The forest is home to a wide range of plant and animal species, including the Zanzibar Red Colobus monkey, which is classified as endangered. Rapid population growth and expanding urban development have led to deforestation and land degradation around the park, placing increasing pressure on this fragile ecosystem. Whilst tourism brings economic opportunities to Zanzibar, it also heightens the need for responsible land use and conservation. Building on the achievements of the project’s first phase, TUI Forest Zanzibar, in partnership with Kawa Foundation, has entered a second phase to extend conservation activities, strengthen community involvement and enhance the long-term sustainability of the forest.

TUI Forest Zanzibar was launched to create a protective buffer zone between Masingini Forest National Park and surrounding residential areas. During its first phase, the project restored degraded land by planting 63,400 trees, establishing and maintaining a tree nursery and creating an outdoor classroom for environmental education. More than 500 people participated in restoration and conservation activities, which actively engage local communities and schools. These measures laid the foundation for improved biodiversity protection and raised awareness amongst schoolchildren and communities about the importance of forests for climate, water security and livelihoods.

In its second phase, the project significantly scales up its activities. More than 67,000 native trees will be planted with a continued focus on species that support biodiversity, including endangered and medicinal plants. A movable irrigation system will be introduced to improve seedling survival during the dry season. In collaboration with the Zanzibar Forestry Department, tree planting will mainly take place within Masingini Forest, complemented by a Forest Awareness Programme. Directly engaging more than 700 secondary school students in conservation education, the programme will plant 7,200 trees at school, in students’ home gardens and in the forest itself.

Strengthening forest protection remains a central component of the project. A Forest Protection Unit will involve community members from 13 communities surrounding the project. They will be trained to patrol forest boundaries, which cover 55,500 square metres, and help prevent poaching and illegal activities. The project also supports 13 local communities to develop sustainable crafts and souvenirs from natural materials and provides training in product development and marketing.

At the same time, TUI Forest Zanzibar promotes eco and community-based tourism by developing nature-based activities, including walking trails, cycling routes and guided community tours. These initiatives highlight local culture and natural heritage whilst also creating additional income opportunities and reducing pressure on the forest.

The TUI Care Foundation’s ‘Forest February’ is a month of activities dedicated to reforestation. Through a series of project launches and educational activities, it emphasises the importance of community-managed reforestation solutions and sustainable agro-forestry tourism practices to safeguard forest ecosystems for local communities and generations to come.

About the TUI Care Foundation

Building on the potential of tourism as a force for good, the TUI Care Foundation supports and initiates projects which create new opportunities and contribute to thriving communities in tourism destinations all over the world. Connecting holidaymakers to good causes, it supports education and training opportunities for young people; drives the protection of natural habitats and the marine environment; and helps local communities to thrive sustainably and benefit from tourism. The TUI Care Foundation builds on strong partnerships with local and international organisations to create meaningful and long-lasting impact. The independent charitable organisation was founded by TUI, one of the world’s leading tourism businesses, and is based in the Netherlands. Website: www.tuicarefoundation.com

About Kawa Foundation

Kawa Foundation strives to improve the economic status, reduce poverty and unemployment of Zanzibar Youth, empowering women and improving livelihood in rural communities through capacity building in skills, knowledge and leadership to fill the (skills) gap in the tourism and hospitality industry. All activities of Kawa Foundation focus around ensuring a sustainable future of the heritage and the tourism and hospitality industry by taking action to protect, enhance and make use of the natural, cultural and historical heritage of Zanzibar by creating sustainable income generating activities.

Kawa Foundation encourages partnerships, entrepreneurship, create economic links between the communities and the industry to improve economic resilience and to advocate the implementation of sustainable practices concerning fair working conditions.