The idyllic islands of Zanzibar, a Tanzanian archipelago, face a pivotal choice between unchecked development and preserving their unique ecological and cultural soul. While famed as a paradise, the islands are experiencing a massive tourism boom, particularly on Unguja, which has already strained natural resources and altered local communities. The government now aims to expand this model to the second of the two main islands, Pemba, and its surrounding islets, threatening pristine forests, endangered species, and sacred sites with large-scale resort projects. This push for rapid construction risks irreversible damage to the very assets that make Zanzibar special. Fortunately, a contrasting vision for high-value, low-density eco-tourism exists, championed by some officials and proven by successful local examples. The future of this island paradise now hinges on selecting a sustainable path that protects its natural wonders and cultural integrity for generations to come, ensuring its beauty isn’t lost in the
Mongabay
