Sustainable Management of Sacred Forests and Their Potential for Eco-Tourism in Zanzibar

Sacred forests have been integral parts of human life in many parts of the world since ancient times. The local communities have respected and protected them, through a sacredness associated with taboos. Sacred forests and groves are very important reservoirs of biological diversity, preserving unique floral and faunal species. Their existence has been threatened in many places of the world recently. Zanzibar has not been spared from such threats to its sacred forests. Local communities no longer honor the traditional and cultural respect for these forests as economic hardship continues to bite. Alternative means of livelihood could offer a protection to these forests. Development of Eco-tourism in the sacred forests of Zanzibar could be one of the alternative options that may attract local communities to save these remaining patches of forest. Local communities could engage in eco-tourism activities within their areas. Income from such activities may help to offset economic hardships, and therefore may dissuade them from destroying such prestigious resources. Some of the profit generated from eco-tourism may also be used for conservation and management of the sacred forests. Policies to support such endeavor are already in place. What is needed now is for the government of Zanzibar to take this idea into the local communities in order for them to discuss it thoroughly and then agree on it. But before embarking on this program, initial groundwork needs to be done. This includes identifying, surveying, zoning