MANGROVES DEGRATION IN MTWARA DISTRICT.

For centuries, peoples inhabiting the area have used mangrove for firewood and building material. Since the population was low in the past and migration was limited, it is likely that most human uses of the mangroves resources were sustainable. However, human population within the area has increased in the past decade and pressure and demand for mangrove products has increased correspondingly. Mangrove forests are currently harvested for firewood, charcoal, building materials and boat making.

KIMWAM in collaboration with Naliendele agricutural Reserch Institute had conducted Physical Survey for Identifying and demarkating highly degraded areas of mangrove forests around the Islands of Namponda, membelwa and Kisiwakidogo; the area surounded by Sinde, mkubiru, mnete, Nalingu and Mtandi Villages in Mnazi Bay Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park (MBREMP). The activity took place on September to October 2012 and was funded by SEACOLOGY.

Objective of this assignment was identification, mapping and demarcation of highly degraded areas for rehabilitation. About 257.803 hectares were demarcated as highly degraded areas that need mangroves replanting.

**KIMWAM is therefore, calling for stakeholders, donors, partners and other important actors to support mangroves planting campaign currently started for protection marine and terrestrial endangered species of the area.**