What was the problem?

Plastic pollution and other waste were accumulating on Tanzania’s beaches and entering the Indian Ocean. This threatened marine ecosystems, biodiversity, coastal livelihoods (including fishing and tourism), and the natural beauty that supports both local communities and the country’s tourism industry. Without action, plastic waste continued to harm the environment and future generations.

What did we do?

Zara Charity, working with the Mount Kilimanjaro Porters Society (MKPS), TESO, volunteers, travellers, and local communities, organised coastal and ocean clean-up campaigns. Teams systematically collected plastic and other debris from beaches and coastal waters. One major effort removed over 7 tonnes of waste (approximately 95% plastic bags, 3% bottles, and 2% other materials). The initiative forms part of the broader “Green Tanzania Starts With Us” environmental movement and is carried out as ongoing stewardship beyond the mountain.

Where did we do it?

Primarily along the Indian Ocean coastline in the Tanga Region, with related community clean-up activities also conducted in the Moshi / Kilimanjaro area.

Who benefited?

• Marine and coastal ecosystems (reduced plastic pollution).
• Local fishing communities and coastal residents.
• The tourism sector and destination image of Tanzania.
• Volunteers, porters, guides, and community members who participated and gained environmental awareness.
• Future generations who will inherit cleaner beaches and healthier seas.

What has been achieved?

• Removal of more than 7 tonnes of waste in a significant Tanga coastline campaign.
• Regular clean-up actions that keep coastal and community areas cleaner.
• Stronger partnerships between Zara Charity, MKPS, TESO, and local stakeholders.
• Increased public and industry awareness of plastic pollution and responsible waste management.
• Contribution to protecting Tanzania’s marine ecosystems and reinforcing the organisation’s environmental mission.

What still needs support?

• More frequent and larger-scale clean-up operations along the coast.
• Funding for equipment, logistics, transport, and proper waste disposal or recycling.
• Expanded education and behaviour-change programmes to reduce plastic use at the source.
• Greater participation from the tourism industry, local communities, and partners.
• Long-term solutions for sustainable waste management and prevention of plastic leakage into the ocean.

This project extends Zara Charity’s environmental work from the mountain to the sea, protecting the natural resources that sustain both people and tourism in Tanzania.