Tanzania-Zanzibar: Coastal Ecology and Natural Resource Management

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Examine coastal ecology and natural resource management in one of the most remarkable areas of the world: Zanzibar and the islands of the Western Indian Ocean.

The region's geographic location and distinct ecological conditions allow students to study specific environmental topics, including tropical forest management and coral reef conservation, in a unique context. Through thematic coursework and direct field experience students are exposed to multiple sources of knowledge in order to better understand the dual imperatives of economic growth and environmental protection.

Once the thriving hub of the East African caravan trade, Zanzibar's abundant natural resources today help promote its important tourism industry. Yet, tourism and other industries present serious challenges to the region's fragile ecosystems. In recent years, it has become increasingly apparent that the health and long-term viability of the region's coastal forests, coral reefs, and vulnerable fauna, such as indigenous flying foxes and Ader's duikers, will be severely threatened if not managed in a more sustainable way. 

The Tanzania-Zanzibar: Coastal Ecology and Natural Resource Management program challenges students to reframe notions of sustainability in relation to local population needs, perspectives, and values. Through rigorous thematic coursework and hands-on experiential learning, students consider how natural resource management will benefit future generations in light of the current factors driving environmental degradation. Students learn from close engagement with prominent ecologists, policymakers, and local community members utilizing SIT's exceptional regional networks.

The program is based in Zanzibar's historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on Unguja Island. In Stone Town, students attend lectures at the well-regarded Institute of Marine Science, where they work on a range of observation assignments. Excursions to both protected and unprotected areas throughout the Zanzibar Archipelago further highlight the complex dynamics of local ecosystems in relation to resident communities.

Read the Chumbe Island Coral Park newsletter.  Many students conduct their ISP projects on Chumbe Island.

Browse this program's Independent Study Projects/Undergraduate Research