This technical document is the result of a process initiated several years ago to investigate the options for developing a coastal and marine Trans-Boundary Conservation Area (TBCA) between the Republic of Kenya and the United Republic of Tanzania. The two main agencies promoting this initiative are the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Tanzania Marine Parks and Reserves Unit (MPRU). The aim of the TBCA between Kenya and Tanzania is to mainstream ecosystem management objectives and priorities into productive sector practices and policies. The concept seeks to strengthen capacity for restoring ecosystem health and conserving biodiversity at the local, national and trans-boundary level in the two countries. The proposed initiative seeks to pilot ecosystem-oriented approaches into spatial planning, water management, agriculture, forest, fisheries and protected area management.
The proposed site extends from the northern boundary of the Diani-Chale Marine National Reserve in Kenya to the southern boundary of Mkinga District in Tanzania, just north of the Tanga Coelacanth Marine Park. The area of interest harbours highly significant marine and coastal biodiversity. Due to its rich biodiversity and contribution to the socio-economics of coastal communities, the area has been recognized by several international agencies such as the World Wide Fund for nature (WWF) and the Convention for Biological Diversity (CBD) as an area of significance deserving special conservation attention.
The purpose of this technical paper is to provide a situation analysis of all issues relevant to the establishment of the proposed TBCA, and to provide a series of suggested options that may be followed in the future by those that will be responsible for the establishment of the TBCA. The analysis of habitats, species, socio-economic, legal and institutional issues is used to show that the establishment of a TBCA is justified and holds significant benefits for conservation and the well-being of the inhabitants of the area, while at the same time enhancing collaboration between the two countries. In terms of the environment it is apparent that the area consists of contiguous and connected habitats that are important at a regional level. The socio-political benefits of establishing a TBCA include improved management of natural resources through international cooperation, connecting people and cultures across borders, joint tourism initiatives, and cross-border learning opportunities.
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