TANZANIA, Pemba Island – June 2007
Infrastructure and trail development, information and marketing materials, and ecotourism initiatives for community conservation of the Pemba flying fox
Click photo to enlarge
The island of Pemba is part of the Zanzibar archipelago and lies 30 miles off the coast of east Africa in the Indian Ocean. The island is famous for its rare endemic species including the Pemba flying fox (Pteropus voeltzkowi). Their preferred roost sites are in primary forest habitats; it is due to the rapid loss of this habitat and hunting that the species has become endangered. There are only two sizeable chunks of natural undisturbed forest that still remain on the island. These forests are legally protected and are under the management of the Department of Commercial Crops, Fruits and Forests (DCCFF). The rapid decline of the Pemba flying fox over recent years prompted Fauna & Flora International (FFI), in partnership with DCCFF, to initiate awareness and monitoring campaigns with local communities. The organizations wish to link conservation and community livelihoods through implementation of a tourism plan. The project will focus on working with the already formed and active community-based Pemba Flying Fox Associations of Ole Mjini (in the northeast of the island) and Kojani (a smaller island to the east of Pemba Island). The project will include infrastructure development such as construction of visitor centers, toilets and water systems; trail development and interpretive materials; information and marketing materials; and ecotourism. *
UPDATE December 2007 - As of November 2007 the construction of the visitor center building at Kidike was completed and a nature trail at Kojani was demarcated with interpretive signs showing directions and tourist attractions. Plans for 2008 include constructing the visitor center at Kojani, installing water supplies and sanitary facilities to both buildings, and creating and distributing flying fox educational materials.
*Support for asterisked projects is provided fully or in part by the
Nu
Skin Enterprises Force for Good Foundation
