Analysis of local governance in conservation of mangrove forests of Geza and Mtimbwani coastal communities in Tanga, Tanzania

Analysis of local governance mechanisms that would be supportive of sustainable conservation of mangrove forests, particularly for development and promotion of carbon markets was conducted in Geza and Mtimbwani communities along the northeastern coast of Tanzania. Primary datawere collected through focus group discussions, key informant interviews and household questionnaires. Secondary data were collected through a review of policy and legislative documents, institutional plans and reports. Content analyses, descriptiveand inferential statistics were used to analyze data. The study found that local governance mechanisms are facedwith a number of barriers and limited opportunitiesto support the designing of carbon markets. The main barriers identified include inadequate financial resources, complication in forestland tenure, poor knowledge ofmangrove ecosystems, lack of benefit sharing arrangements and insufficient human and material resources. Whereas the opportunities identified include the presence of Village Natural Resources Committees, Non-Governmental Organizations and conservation experience left by Tanga Coastal Zone Conservation and Development Programme and Mangrove Management Project. It was also learnt that the communities were supportive of mangrove conservation arrangements through carbon credits, although clarity of rules and regulations, traditional rights and access to information was a concern. These findings highlight the need toimprove local governance frameworks to ensure effective law enforcement, awareness rising to local communities on conservation behavior, and equipenvironmental teamswith training and financial support as part of promotion of carbon market schemes.