Journal of Coastal Zone Management

Abstract

Performance of BMU in Mangrove Protection: A Case of Mlingotini Village in Bagamoyo District

Dominiko Orangi Okoth*

This study was carried out to assess the performance of Beach Management Units (BMU) in mangrove protection in Bagamoyo district; A case of Mlingotini village in Zinga ward. The study anticipated to address the three specific objectives: To examine the strategies used by BMU towards mangrove protection at the study area, to examine the extent to which BMU has reduced mangrove destruction and to explore the challenges facing mangrove protection initiatives by BMUs. A total of 97 respondents were covered including 4 key informants. Findings from this study show that awareness on mangrove protection is still inadequate. Also the study established that, although BMU has reduced cutting of mangrove for various purposes, but there is still a significant destruction which needs to be addressed. The study established lack of environmental education, building materials, business activities, lack of working facilities, social ties, unemployment, lack of government support and week by-laws as major challenges facing mangrove protection by BMU. Following the findings it is recommended that BMU should device regular awareness programmes to build understanding to the whole community. Furthermore, BMUs should device strong by-laws geared towards mangrove protection so as to make people fear of to cut mangrove. Lastly, the government support is needed to provide working facilities, to create employment and fight illegal business of mangroves.