Sustainable tourism group &Beyond and the non-profit Africa Foundation began working with island residents in September 2021 to address some of these issues.
A steel mesh table was used to create an underwater nursery. Here, coral fragments are grown and replanted on the reef.
They are cared for and looked after by local divers who are trained as caretakers.
It takes about two to three months for a coral colony to form and then the keepers take them to the reef.
Results so far are encouraging, with 80% of the so-called “house reef” surrounding the island restored.
“It’s as if it has grown on its own,” said conservation officer Hija Uledi.
“We've restored the reef and you can't tell the difference. Now they have fish around. The artwork is great and you can see many species.”
Conservationists have also created an artificial reef about 3km from the island. The steel and stone structure is also where conservators plant newly grown corals from the nursery.
This is to help replenish marine life, which benefits fishermen and makes it a destination for snorkelers and divers.
Dr. Camila Floros, senior scientist at the Africa Foundation's Seas Without Borders program, said the ongoing restoration plans were working carefully, using the right materials and learning from past mistakes around the world.
“When artificial reefs were in their infancy, people tried to build artificial reefs using the wrong materials, such as tires, which is not the right approach,” she says.
Dr Floros credits the success of the regeneration work around Mnemba Island to the support of the local community.
“Every time we have a new plan, we discuss it with them and get their buy-in,” she says.
Atuwa Omar is one of the local residents involved in the restoration. Before she started working as a caretaker, the 24-year-old was caring for a young child at her home.
“Being a caretaker for this project on Mnemba Island not only allows me to provide food for my family, but also supports my son’s education,” she says.
Omar admits it hasn't been easy for her as she is the only woman working on the project.
Although she faced conservative attitudes from some who did not want women to participate, she says the challenge was worth it.
