IMPROVIN G DECISION -MAKIN G

The N ational Environment Policy links poverty and environment and prioritizes sustainable resource use for poverty eradication. Issues related to Integrated Coastal Management in Tanzania that address poverty eradication are categorized in the following six broad areas: i Improvement of the well being and livelihoods of all beneficiaries of coastal resources ii Environmental planning and management of key economic opportunities iii Managing geographical areas of concern and critical habitats iv Supporting local initiatives, decision-making for intersectoral developments, and harmonizing national interest with local needs v Information availability for decision-making VI Inadequate human and institutional capacity and awareness These issues frame the focus of this N ational Integrated Coastal Environment Management Strategy. For the purpose of this Strategy, the issues are explained below but are not aligned with strategies because in several instances, a single strategy can address several issue areas. A similar solution can be applied to several different problems. Strategies are presented in section 4.

3.1 IMPROVEMENT OF THE W ELL BEING AND LIVELIHOODS OF ALL BENEFICIARIES OF COASTAL

RESOURCES Most rural coastal communities are very poor. Their economy depends mainly on smallholder farming, subsistence forestry, artisanal fishing, lime and salt production, seaweed farming, livestock husbandry and small-scale trade handicrafts. W hile most families in the coastal region are involved in more than one economic activity, many remain well below the poverty line. Lack of food security, communication and transpor tation infrastructure, livelihood opportunities and social services, coupled with poor performance of agriculture and fishing are major concerns which have resulted in a substantial rural-urban migration, especially to D ar es Salaam.Actions to increase productivity of current economic activities in rural areas; to promote alternative, environmentally sustainable livelihood

3.0 INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT ISSUES

N ational Integrated Coastal Environment M anagement Strategy 9