By Nelisiwe Khusi | Photos by Johnson Jackob Ndaba, Zanzibar, Tanzania
My journey with the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR) began as an intern, where I was introduced to the diverse and dynamic world of nature conservation and restoration work. Throughout my internship, I was exposed to: alien clearing, monitoring, baseline assessments, plant identification, replanting indigenous plants, and soil sampling, all hands-on fieldwork that occurred along river systems and wetland areas. These early experiences fuelled my interest in freshwater conservation. With a background in hydrology and geography, my passion for water resource management grew, ultimately leading me to dedicate myself to freshwater ecosystems.
Over the past year, my focus has centred on freshwater conservation, specifically river and fish monitoring, catchment management, and understanding the intricate relationships between land and water systems. This has allowed me to network with several key organisations in the freshwater conservation space, including NRF-SAIAB, the Fynbos Fish Trust, CapeNature, the Nuwejaars Wetland SMA, the Freshwater Research Centre, and the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy. Engaging with these organisations has also expanded my appreciation and understanding of integrated water resource management and strengthened my passion for protecting our vital freshwater systems.
Attending the IOCAFRICA Training of Trainers workshop in Zanzibar, Tanzania the past month, marked a turning point in my career. It expanded my scope beyond freshwater, highlighting the importance of connecting inland systems to the sea through a source-to-sea approach. The experience highlighted the power of systems thinking and reminded me that conservation is not confined to one ecosystem, but rather, thrives in their connections. Representing GCBR at this workshop, I joined marine and coastal biosphere reserve managers from across Africa to explore how UNESCO Biosphere Reserves can advance ocean science, sustainable development, and marine science education. The workshop aimed to strengthen ocean literacy, promote sustainability, and enhance resilience in coastal and marine biosphere reserves.
Reflections on Ocean Literacy and Its Connection to Freshwater Systems
The workshop began with an inspiring address by Zahor El Kharousy, Deputy Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries, Zanzibar. His speech highlighted the significance of collaboration in advancing the UN Ocean Decade and the importance of integrating ocean literacy into management practices. Ocean literacy seeks to restore humanity’s relationship with the ocean by fostering an understanding of our influence on the ocean and the ocean’s influence on us. Guided by seven key principles, ocean literacy empowers individuals and communities to take informed actions toward ocean conservation and sustainability. This perspective resonated with me, as I realised the parallels between ocean literacy and the work we do in freshwater conservation. Just as communities need to understand and value the ocean, they must also recognise the importance of river systems in sustaining ecological balance and livelihood.
Key Training Components and Takeaways
The workshop, held from 10 to 14 March 2025, provided a blend of lectures, group discussions, and field-based experiential learning, focusing on:
- Lecture Sessions:
- Introduction to UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserves (MABs) and their role in enhancing social-ecological resilience.
- Overview of Ocean Literacy and its principles.
- Importance of an ocean-literate society for marine conservation and sustainability.
- Updates on the UN Ocean Decade and its role in marine conservation in Africa.
- Group Discussions:
- Challenges and opportunities in managing marine biosphere reserves.
- Community engagement strategies.
- Sustainable blue economy models within biosphere reserves.
- Field-Based Learning:
- A site visit to the Jozani-Chwaka Bay Marine Reserve provided practical exposure to:
- Biodiversity conservation initiatives.
- Community-led marine resource management efforts.
- Integration of biosphere reserves into national and regional policies.
- A site visit to the Jozani-Chwaka Bay Marine Reserve provided practical exposure to:
One of the aspects I appreciated most about the training was the opportunity to experience firsthand everything we discussed in the workshop. Visiting the biosphere reserve sites brought the lessons to life, allowing us to better understand and appreciate the beauty, complexity, and importance of these ecosystems.
Mangroves and Palmiet: Different Ecosystems, Shared Purpose
During the field visit to the Jozani-Chwaka Bay Marine Reserve, we explored the significance of mangrove forests, coastal ecosystems with vast ecological value. These forests stabilise coastlines, act as nurseries for marine species, filter water, and store carbon. Despite their coastal setting, their ecological functions reminded me strongly of the palmiet wetlands we work to restore as GCBR.
Palmiet (Prionium serratum), indigenous to South Africa, thrives in river systems and wetland areas, playing a vital role in stabilising riverbanks, improving water quality, and absorbing floodwaters. Like mangroves, Palmiet wetlands offer habitat, reduce erosion, and support biodiversity. These parallels highlighted the universal value of wetland ecosystems, whether found along rivers or coastlines, and the importance of protecting them
Community, Gender, and Livelihoods in Conservation
We visited the Jozani Sea Turtle Sanctuary and the Tortoise and Reptile Park, a locally driven initiative known as the Uwemajo Project, which also benefits nearby communities through tourism, marine conservation, and fishing. The sanctuary features three large pools dedicated to endangered sea turtles and fish species, with the primary goal of protecting both from fishing pressures. Through tourism, local communities benefit by welcoming visitors, contributing to economic growth and the preservation of these vital species. The park also boasts a rich diversity of reptiles, offering visitors valuable information into the species it protects. One of my personal favourites was the chameleons, though I found the pythons fascinating but a bit frightening, so I kept my distance! Another highlight of the sanctuary is the Aldabra giant tortoises, which roam freely within a protected space. The history of the Aldabra tortoises dates back to the early 1910s when four individuals were gifted from the Seychelles, some of which are believed to be over a hundred years old today.
Our last visit was to the Na Sisi Pia Tupo Cooperative in Bweeju village, a community-led project where women cultivate and process seaweed into high-value products such as cosmetics products and nutritional supplements. This enterprise not only contributes to ocean conservation but also promotes gender empowerment and income generation. These examples showed how biosphere reserves can link conservation with socio-economic benefits, creating a sustainable future for both the community and the environment.
Outside the workshop, I had the opportunity to meet local people and enjoy a walk-through Stone Town, where I saw monumental buildings for the first time in Zanzibar. I also used local transport, riding in a tuk-tuk, which added a fun and authentic element to my experience. I visited the Forodhani Park with the local food market, where I had the pleasure of eating some of the best fresh, local food and beverages. My key takeaway from this visit was the importance of not isolating conservation from the community. It’s crucial to recognise that what we are protecting can have direct, tangible benefits for local people. By connecting conservation with local livelihoods, we ensure that both nature and people thrive together.
Reflecting on the Similarities Between GCBR and the Jozani-Chwaka Bay Marine Reserve
Reflecting on my experience in Zanzibar and comparing it to the work we do at GCBR, I noticed several similarities. Both ecosystems, the marine and freshwater are interconnected, and the health of one impacts the other. Just as we focus on the restoration of wetlands and the management of freshwater systems, the work in the Jozani-Chwaka Bay Reserve mirrors the importance of biodiversity conservation in ensuring healthy ecosystems.
At GCBR, we work on wetland and river restoration projects, aiming to enhance the health and function of freshwater systems. Similarly, the work in the marine reserve focuses on protecting and preserving marine ecosystems, with the same goal of maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity.
Through these projects, we see how interconnected our ecosystems are, whether marine or freshwater. These initiatives contribute to resilience, increase biodiversity, and support both environmental and human wellbeing. By linking conservation with local communities’ livelihoods, we enhance biodiversity and socio-economic stability, demonstrating how conservation projects, when aligned with community needs, create sustainable outcomes for both nature and people.
Moving Forward Together
The IOCAFRICA workshop connected me with passionate professionals across Africa and emphasised the need for collaboration across sectors and ecosystems. I left with a renewed commitment to bridging freshwater and marine conservation. I look forward to applying these lessons to strengthen my work within GCBR, especially in freshwater monitoring, education, and community partnerships. By embracing the source-to-sea perspective, we can better protect the rivers, wetlands, estuaries, and oceans that sustain life—and ensure that future generations inherit ecosystems that are thriving and resilient.
Visiting Jozani-Chwaka Bay Marine Reserve showed how biosphere reserves, whether terrestrial or marine, can become living laboratories, places where conservation, community development, and cultural heritage come together to create a sustainable future.