ZANZIBAR, Sept. 4 -- ALONG Zanzibars coastline, mangroves are far more than trees standing between land and sea.

They are nurseries for marine life, natural barriers against coastal erosion, havens for biodiversity and an important source of livelihoods for communities whose lives are closely tied to the sea.

Yet these vital coastal ecosystems face growing pressure from human activity and environmental change.

It is against this backdrop that STAWI Africa Foundation and Graine de Vie Luxembourg (GdVL) have officially launched Mikoko Hai, a three-year initiative designed to restore mangrove ecosystems in Chwaka Bay and Menai Bay, while helping coastal communities build more resilient and sustainable livelihoods.

The South Unguja Region...