Sustainability Partnerships for the Governance of Coastal Resources in Tanzania

The paper examines the experience of sustainability partnerships for the management of coastal resources in Tanzania. It identifies key actors and governance dynamics, with focus on decentralization processes, legitimacy-building and participation of local communities. The paper first provides a brief status of coastal resources in Tanzania and a historical overview of the evolution of co-management practices. Then, it examines actors and processes at the national and local levels in relation to two types of co-management: Marine Parks (MPAs) and Beach Management Units (BMUs). In view of ongoing research under the New Partnerships for Sustainability project (NEPSUS), it provides guidance on research gaps in specific relation to the Mnazi Bay Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park (MBREMP) and selected BMUs in Mtwara region, Southern Tanzania.