Zanzibar has numerous opportunities for involvement in ecotourism. Between the island’s rich history and culture, long sandy beaches, and coral reefs with an abundance of marine life, the array of natural resources is vast. The ecotourism prospects are innumerable; here are but a few examples. Tourists coming to Jozani forest, the only national park on Zanzibar, have a chance to view the rare Red Colobus monkey, a species only native to Zanzibar and the most endangered primate species in the world. Viewing an endangered species in its natural habitat is a rare and thrilling experience that is not to be missed. Alternatively, the forest also serves as a place to learn about the native flora and fauna in Zanzibar with the added bonus of a tour through the vast expanse of exotic trees. Jozani is also the last remaining sanctuary in the world for the Zanzibar Red Colobus monkey, which is why it is protected as the only national park on Zanzibar Island. Another way for ecotourists to observe native wildlife is by chartering a boat to one of the many small islets off the coast of Zanzibar. Here, tourists can view a variety of bird species and perhaps swim with dolphins. Phase One of the Zanzibar Biodiversity Action Plan highlights the need for an access guide to all natural tourist attractions in Zanzibar, including diving and snorkeling sites, islands and islets with their bird life, and information on the best times to see certain natural wildlife or plant species. Such a guide, if properly developed, will be an invaluable resource for tourists with an interest in ecotourism. However, there is also the need to develop these attractions in a way that does not detract from their natural value. For example, recent large-scale hotel and golf course developments along the north and east coast pose a significant threat to the region’s marine and coastal biodiversity. This scenario was modeled and predicted using GIS, and coastal developments in sensitive areas were found to coincide with habitat destruction. This issue is complex due to the fact that these projects are a major source of revenue for the country, but higher incomes are also associated with greater natural resource consumption. With many other potential tourism and development projects currently in the pipeline, it will be increasingly difficult to strike a balance between economic development and conservation.
Role of Botanical Gardens in Conservation
The island of Zanzibar has around 2022 native plant species, of which 175 are recorded as endemic to the area. Endemic species are those that are confined to a defined geographical area, which in the case of Zanzibar is often extremely limited in size – an island in the Indian Ocean. This obviously makes them particularly vulnerable to habitat modification and as a consequence Zanzibar has lost c. 30% of its native forest in the last 30 years and has a high number of plant species under threat. These include many species of palms and cycads with economic importance to local communities, for use in construction and as sources of traditional medicines. A National Plant Red Data List has been published and an attempt to monitor the conservation status of each threatened species has been made. Actions to conserve these species will require a combination of in situ and ex situ approaches, often beginning with propagation and restoration of degraded habitats and leading to eventual reintroduction of species.
The role of botanic gardens in conservation has been the subject of considerable debate. Are they museums for plants and anachronistic remnants of Victorian plant hunting, whose time has passed now that vast areas of the Earth’s land surface are being managed for nature conservation? Or do they still have a potentially important role in the face of rapidly disappearing plant species and their habitats? We believe that they do have a role and an important one. It is essential to conserve living plant diversity in a rapidly changing world and to ensure that it is used sustainably. This will be achieved only through an integrated approach to in situ and ex situ plant conservation and botanic gardens and arboreta are uniquely placed to take an influential role. This is particularly the case in regard to areas of the tropics and subtropics, where plant diversity is highest and the rate of habitat destruction is correspondingly great, but where resources for effective conservation are usually limited.
Ecotourism and Botanical Gardens
The development of the botanical garden in Zanzibar can be connected with the officials of the British administration. The primary motivation behind setting up a botanical garden was to test and present new types of harvests that would enhance the island’s economy, yet it was soon realized that there were potential and obtained some endemic species that could be saved from the quickly changing scene of Zanzibar. Out of this understanding, a gathering of botanists and nature supporters shaped the Zanzibar Flora Conservation Group in 1992. The target of the gathering was to record the verdure of the zone and to evaluate the protection status of the different plant species. Through joint effort with the University of Dar es Salaam, the World Wildlife Foundation for Nature, and IUCN, an arrangement was drawn to archive the whole known and obscure vegetation in a progression of field manages and on a CD Rom for wide circulation among every single key partner. This was with the end goal of preservation mindfulness creation among local people and strategy creators and was additionally proposed as a standard to screen the recognizable proof and protection status of plant species in the nation, as the IUCN Red List was commonly recognized to be fit for creature species, yet less so for plants. The task is a work in advancement and has as of late been upgraded with the making of a site.
Botanical Gardens in Zanzibar
Located on the outskirts of Zanzibar’s Stone Town are the botanical gardens. The gardens are owned and managed by the Chedli family. They were established by Said Khalifan, who was born in Oman but exiled to Zanzibar in the early 19th century. The gardens were established during the reign of the third Khalifan Sultan Said, between 1890 and 1920. The Khalifan’s interest in nature had him importing plants from all over the world. The gardens remain a home to a plethora of plant species, most of which are non-native and some of them are now considered as invasive species.
The botanical gardens are a suitable habitat for the Red Colobus Monkeys as well as being one of the last habitats for the Kirk’s Colobus monkeys. This has led to the Jozani Chwaka Bay Conservation Project becoming involved with the gardens in wildlife monitoring and habitat surveys, to evaluate the impact of how great apes are using areas degraded by humans.
Access to the botanical gardens has been granted to several student groups. One recent study that took place was by students of the State University of New York. They had visited Zanzibar to undertake a study deciding whether the non-native plants in the botanical gardens are beneficial to the native wildlife habitat. A conducted interview suggested that the beauty, ease of access, and cool tranquility were factors which had led to the gardens being chosen as the study site.
Zanzibar, renowned for its pristine beaches and rich cultural heritage, is also increasingly becoming a hub for ecotourism and botanical exploration. The island’s diverse ecosystems, including lush forests, mangrove swamps, and marine reserves, offer travelers unique opportunities to engage with nature and learn about conservation efforts.
One notable attraction for ecotourism enthusiasts is the Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park, located in the south of Zanzibar. This protected area is home to the endemic Zanzibar red colobus monkey, as well as a variety of other wildlife, including Sykes’ monkeys, bushbabies, and numerous bird species. Visitors can explore the park’s trails on guided nature walks, learning about the flora and fauna while enjoying the tranquility of the forest.
In addition to terrestrial ecosystems, Zanzibar boasts stunning marine biodiversity, making it a popular destination for snorkeling, diving, and marine ecotourism activities. The Menai Bay Conservation Area, located off the southwest coast of Zanzibar, is a designated marine protected area known for its pristine coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. Visitors can embark on guided boat tours to explore the area’s marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and colorful fish species.
For those interested in botanical exploration, Zanzibar offers several botanical gardens where visitors can discover a wide variety of plant species, including medicinal herbs, exotic flowers, and spice trees. The Forodhani Gardens, located in Stone Town, showcase a diverse collection of tropical plants and offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city streets. Additionally, spice farm tours provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about the cultivation and traditional uses of spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom, which have played a significant role in Zanzibar’s history and economy.