In August 2025, Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP) proudly joined hands with global partners in a groundbreaking Coral Conservation and Restoration Training held on Mansuar Island, Raja Ampat, Indonesia. This intensive one-month training, organized by the Small Islands Organisation (SMILO) in collaboration with The Sea People – Orang Laut Papua, Ocean Gardener, and The Ropes of Hope Tanzania, brought together practitioners and communities committed to protecting fragile marine ecosystems.
MIMP was represented by Mr. Paschal Faustine Mkongola, Marine Conservation Warden, alongside two community members Mr. Hatibu Ibrahim Shekhe and Mikidadi Ahmad Ally from the small island villages of Chole and Jibondo, within the Mafia archipelago. Their participation marked a significant milestone in strengthening community-based conservation and enhancing technical expertise in coral reef restoration within the WIO region.
Through both theoretical sessions and practical field dives, participants explored coral taxonomy, reef restoration techniques, management approaches, and governance of marine ecosystems. Beyond technical training, the program provided a vital platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and peer learning, enabling MIMP and its community partners to adapt and apply best practices at home.
This achievement reflects MIMP’s ongoing commitment to empower local communities as key custodians of marine resources, ensuring that coral reef restoration is not only a scientific pursuit but also a community-driven approach that strengthens resilience to climate change and enhances the health of MPAs across the Western Indian Ocean.
MIMP extends its sincere appreciation to SMILO, Ocean Gardener, The Sea People, and The Ropes of Hope Tanzania (https://theropesofhope.com/) for sponsoring and supporting this vital initiative. Their contribution ensures that local capacity-building and community empowerment continue to advance marine protected area management across the Western Indian Ocean.
By Mohamed Shamte Ag. Warden in Charge, Mafia Island Marine Park.