Dar es Salaam, Tanzania The shoreline of Mbezi Beach B was transformed on September 20th as The Jahazi Project, in partnership with the Environmental Conservation
On September 1st, Ascending Africa, through its flagship initiative The Jahazi Project, brought together stakeholders from across East Africa and the Southwest Indian Ocean islands for the Blue Voices Roundtable in Dar es Salaam. More than a convening, the Roundtable marked the launch of a campaign dedicated to uniting governments, communities, and partners to end illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF) and to secure a sustainable blue economy for future generations.
PRESS RELEASE: 1st September 2025, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania We, the participants of the Blue Voices Roundtable on Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF),
The Blue Voices Roundtable will examine the impact of IUUF in East Africa and foster regional collaboration with leaders from across the region. Participants will explore tech-driven conservation solutions, policy reforms, and strategies to strengthen enforcement and community engagement. The event will conclude with a joint action agenda to drive long-term protection of marine ecosystems.
Ascending Africa today announced the transformation of its flagship marine conservation initiative from Kilindini to The Jahazi Project; a move that signals a broadened scope, renewed vigor, and deeper commitment to protecting the East African coast and Southwest Indian Ocean nations.
Our oceans, the lifeblood of our planet, are facing unprecedented challenges. From the devastating impacts of climate change to the ever-growing menace of plastic pollution, the threats to marine ecosystems are multiplying at an alarming rate.
In the vast, interconnected tapestry of our planet, every thread plays a vital role. From the smallest plankton to the largest whales, each organism contributes to the delicate balance of our ecosystems. Yet, human activities often disrupt this harmony, leading to consequences that ripple across the globe.
The ocean, a vast and enigmatic expanse, holds immense potential for economic growth and community development. Yet, for many, navigating its depths for a livelihood remains a challenge.
The ocean, a vast and enigmatic realm, holds untold wonders beneath its shimmering surface. From vibrant coral reefs teeming with life to colossal whales gracefully navigating the depths, marine ecosystems are a testament to nature’s awe-inspiring artistry.
Hamisi is a fisherman from East Africa whose family has fished these waters for generations, embodying tradition and resilience in the face of illegal fishing. As coastal villages confront this silent battle for survival and community identity, Hamisi’s story highlights the struggle to preserve ancestral ways against the encroachment of unlawful practices that threaten their livelihoods.
As the sun rises over Mombasa’s Kilindini Harbor, the daily rhythm of East Africa’s busiest port begins: ships docking, cranes swinging into motion, and dock workers preparing for another day. For decades, it has been a scene dominated by men – but the tide is beginning to turn.
Kenya and Tanzania’s coastal waters harbor some of East Africa’s richest marine biodiversity, providing livelihoods to millions through fishing, tourism, and maritime trade. Yet these vital ecosystems face mounting pressure from overfishing, pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change.
As efforts to re-energize East Africa’s blue economy get underway, ocean protection and conservation remain a key factor. The region takes pride in its rich marine biodiversity, a factor that positively impacts various economic activities, including fishing and tourism.
With over three billion people depending on a healthy ocean for their well-being and more than 350 million jobs tied to ocean industries, continued exploitation of marine resources could lead to devastating consequences.
As the Blue Economy expands, the role of women is becoming increasingly vital—not only for economic development but also for fostering gender equality and strengthening marine professions.
The concept of the Blue Economy has gained global recognition as countries look to harness the vast potential of oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers for sustainable economic growth.
Despite our ocean’s vast potential, the region’s blue economy remains largely untapped. Illegal fishing and maritime security challenges deplete our stocks, worsen food insecurity, and degrade our marine ecosystems.
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania The shoreline of Mbezi Beach B was transformed on September 20th as The Jahazi Project, in partnership with the Environmental Conservation
On September 1st, Ascending Africa, through its flagship initiative The Jahazi Project, brought together stakeholders from across East Africa and the Southwest Indian Ocean islands for the Blue Voices Roundtable in Dar es Salaam. More than a convening, the Roundtable marked the launch of a campaign dedicated to uniting governments, communities, and partners to end illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF) and to secure a sustainable blue economy for future generations.
PRESS RELEASE: 1st September 2025, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania We, the participants of the Blue Voices Roundtable on Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing (IUUF),
The Blue Voices Roundtable will examine the impact of IUUF in East Africa and foster regional collaboration with leaders from across the region. Participants will explore tech-driven conservation solutions, policy reforms, and strategies to strengthen enforcement and community engagement. The event will conclude with a joint action agenda to drive long-term protection of marine ecosystems.
Ascending Africa today announced the transformation of its flagship marine conservation initiative from Kilindini to The Jahazi Project; a move that signals a broadened scope, renewed vigor, and deeper commitment to protecting the East African coast and Southwest Indian Ocean nations.
Our oceans, the lifeblood of our planet, are facing unprecedented challenges. From the devastating impacts of climate change to the ever-growing menace of plastic pollution, the threats to marine ecosystems are multiplying at an alarming rate.
In the vast, interconnected tapestry of our planet, every thread plays a vital role. From the smallest plankton to the largest whales, each organism contributes to the delicate balance of our ecosystems. Yet, human activities often disrupt this harmony, leading to consequences that ripple across the globe.
The ocean, a vast and enigmatic expanse, holds immense potential for economic growth and community development. Yet, for many, navigating its depths for a livelihood remains a challenge.
The ocean, a vast and enigmatic realm, holds untold wonders beneath its shimmering surface. From vibrant coral reefs teeming with life to colossal whales gracefully navigating the depths, marine ecosystems are a testament to nature’s awe-inspiring artistry.
Hamisi is a fisherman from East Africa whose family has fished these waters for generations, embodying tradition and resilience in the face of illegal fishing. As coastal villages confront this silent battle for survival and community identity, Hamisi’s story highlights the struggle to preserve ancestral ways against the encroachment of unlawful practices that threaten their livelihoods.
As the sun rises over Mombasa’s Kilindini Harbor, the daily rhythm of East Africa’s busiest port begins: ships docking, cranes swinging into motion, and dock workers preparing for another day. For decades, it has been a scene dominated by men – but the tide is beginning to turn.
Kenya and Tanzania’s coastal waters harbor some of East Africa’s richest marine biodiversity, providing livelihoods to millions through fishing, tourism, and maritime trade. Yet these vital ecosystems face mounting pressure from overfishing, pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change.
As efforts to re-energize East Africa’s blue economy get underway, ocean protection and conservation remain a key factor. The region takes pride in its rich marine biodiversity, a factor that positively impacts various economic activities, including fishing and tourism.
With over three billion people depending on a healthy ocean for their well-being and more than 350 million jobs tied to ocean industries, continued exploitation of marine resources could lead to devastating consequences.
As the Blue Economy expands, the role of women is becoming increasingly vital—not only for economic development but also for fostering gender equality and strengthening marine professions.
The concept of the Blue Economy has gained global recognition as countries look to harness the vast potential of oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers for sustainable economic growth.
Despite our ocean’s vast potential, the region’s blue economy remains largely untapped. Illegal fishing and maritime security challenges deplete our stocks, worsen food insecurity, and degrade our marine ecosystems.
Engage in a conversation by filling in this form to share your thoughts on illegal fishing in East Africa.
Subscribe to The Jahazi Project newsletter and do your part in supporting the blue economy.
Serengeti Bytes | 8th Floor, Victoria House, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
© 2025 Ascending Africa. All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy
