Fishers on Anjouan Island in the Comoros have successfully established a 10-hectare no-take marine zone (NTZ), a community-driven initiative launched in 2021 with support from the nonprofit Dahari. This conservation effort is showing significant success in revitalizing the local marine ecosystem and promoting coral reef regeneration. Adjacent areas are experiencing a noticeable increase in fish species diversity and abundance, along with a greater presence of sea turtles, highlighting the effectiveness of protected areas in restoring marine environments.
Encouraged by these positive outcomes, Dahari is planning to expand this conservation model by establishing five additional NTZs, which will collectively cover 425 hectares. This expansion is part of a broader marine strategy focused on community co-design and adaptive management to ensure the long-term health of the Comoros' marine biodiversity. The Comoros archipelago is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot, with rich marine environments including coral reefs and mangrove forests. Research from regions like the Great Barrier Reef indicates that no-take zones can accelerate coral reef recovery by approximately 30% and reduce the impact of disturbances by up to 30% compared to areas outside these zones. Dahari's work addresses significant environmental pressures such as deforestation, coral reef degradation, climate change, and overfishing, by linking ecosystem restoration with livelihood security and empowering local communities as stewards of their natural resources. This community-led approach is already inspiring neighboring communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change.