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Next Up In Digitalising Data Collection for Restoration and Monitoring of Mangrove Conservation

Posted on 28 February 2025

We are living in the 21st century, things have changed a lot and technology is as well changing how we work across all thematics . In the past, the use of paper was extensive but today the use of papers is becoming less and less. We e are adapting these technological changes. Today, we are introducing this kobo toolbox using the Open Data Kit (ODK) application, for storing mangrove restoration data. This will improve efficiency and support sustainable conservation efforts - Ezekiel Mbilinyi IT Officer and Digital Transformation - WWF Tanzania.

To strengthen the sustainable conservation and restoration of mangroves, the NORAD Mangrove Project and Bengo Mangrove Project brought together 32 community members and key government stakeholders, including Tanzania Forest Service Agency (TFS), Fisheries Officers, Beach Management Unit (BMU), Village Natural Resources Committee(VNRC), Community Forest Management Area/Agreement (COFMA)-Community Based Organization Network (CBOs), and Village Executive Officers.

The projects support effective ecosystem-based climate change for coastal communities and the restoration of about 150 hectares targeted for active restoration through mangrove propagule planting under the Bengo project, and 60 hectares under the Norad project. Additionally, areas with natural regeneration potential, such as abandoned salt farms where mangroves have begun to recolonize, will be protected to allow for passive restoration, enabling these ecosystems to recover naturally. Local community members will conduct restoration activities through their respective VNRCs, who have been trained on effective mangrove restoration methods, using standardized mangrove restoration manuals and guidelines.
A key focus of this initiative is enhancing the digitalization of mangrove data restoration and collection through the ODK. This innovative tool allows participants to efficiently record, store, and monitor mangrove restoration efforts, leading to more effective conservation strategies.
This collaborative effort aims to improve data accuracy, streamline monitoring processes, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our vital mangrove ecosystems
"For a long time, mangrove restoration has been a business-as-usual effort and box-ticking exercise, planting propagules and moving on. Now, with technology, we aim to move beyond this culture and focus on truly impactful restoration. We are leveraging the right restoration guidelines and methodologies while integrating technology to quantify our efforts and monitor restored mangroves effectively. This approach allows us to continuously re-evaluate our progress and ensure that the resources we invest yield tangible outcomes. Most importantly, we are not leaving communities behind-restoration must be meaningful, and we must walk the talk. - Valeli Bugota| Project Officer - BMZ/Bengo Mangrove Ecosystems| WWF Tanzania Country Office
“In ensuring the sustainability of restoration and conservation of mangrove ecosystems community engagement is highly emphasized, these groups are the primary resource users at the center of the process, and equipping them with the necessary skills for restoration, conservation, and sophisticated monitoring skills and tools for mangrove resources is essential for long-term success” - Zephania Arnold - Fisheries Officer and Agg Project Excutant NORAD Mangroves - WWF Tanzania.
This collaborative effort aims to improve data accuracy, streamline monitoring processes, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our vital mangrove ecosystems where to make this possible community members' engagement is highly emphasized and motivated to ensure sustainability and long-term achievement of restoring marine resources and improving marine biodiversity.
“We are representatives of the big mangrove community members who have remained in our areas. Therefore, we are very keen to ensure that this training is beneficial. When we return to our areas, we will ensure that the knowledge gained here is shared and used to improve the restoration of mangroves and enhance our marine environment” - Ally Winda, Secretary of the Swahili Environmental Group.
As a woman who represents others from my community, I have learned from this training a greater understanding of the management of the entire mangrove restoration process, and this digital transformation is my belief will improve the conservation of the mangrove - Arafa Omari Chombo - Treasury MANASO VNRC Southern Somanga.
These initiatives aim at restoring and conserving at least 30 hectares of mangrove areas by April 2025-under Bengo project, these two Project Bengo mangroves and NORAD Mangrove projects, have already established a baseline for restoration from grant distribution, several trainings, exchange visits, and the other combination of active restoration (planting mangrove propagules) and passive restoration (protecting areas for natural regeneration), with a focus on areas identified during the mapping process. Therefore, the first phase target is to restore 140 hectares.

Participants of the digitalizing mangrove data workshop