Secrets of the sponge

Project goal: Sea and reef protection on the coast of Zanzibar, poverty alleviation through sponge and coral farms
Implementation: The non-governmental organization Marinecultures builds breeding grounds in the lagoon so sponge farmers don't have to "poach" coral and sponge seedlings from the open sea. They also develop further sources of income through cultivation of seaweed. Training and regular discussions are designed to encourage local fishing communities to change their thinking and directly participate in conservation efforts.
Project size: Two sponge farms and one coral farm on the east coast, and one sponge farm on the south coast. Ocean protection is based on the island of Zanzibar and neighboring islands.

Both population growth and increased tourism along the coast of Zanzibar is having a dramatic impact on marine life in the region. Stocks are dwindling and fishing communities are finding it harder to make ends meet. A non-governmental organization called Marinecultures is encouraging people in these communities to expand their repertoire by cultivating sponges and corals. And because sponges are important for the health of the ocean - one kilogram worth of sponges filters a ton of water every day - Marinecultures is helping in more ways than one: The communities turn an income, and the sea gets a tonic.

A film by Wiebke Feuersenger