Ecosystem and carbon based solutions
What we do
Coastal ecosystems thrive when the communities that depend on them are valued as stewards, decision-makers, and knowledge-holders. At Sazani Associates, our work in ecosystem restoration and carbon services is grounded in the belief that nature-based solutions succeed only when human wellbeing, local governance, and equity are central. We combine participatory research, social-ecological systems thinking, and ESG governance to restore mangroves, seagrass, coral, and coastal habitats—while strengthening the livelihoods and resilience of the people who protect them. Through long-standing relationships across Zanzibar, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Belize, and Europe, we deliver restoration programmes that are locally owned, socially legitimate, and aligned with high-integrity carbon standards and blue-economy goals.
Key Focus Areas
Blue Carbon & Climate Mitigation
Our blue-carbon work recognises that mangrove and seagrass systems cannot be protected without the involvement, consent, and leadership of the communities who rely on them. We co-design restoration, protection, and MRV frameworks through participatory mapping, community
governance structures, and gender-inclusive livelihood planning. This human-centred approach
strengthens social licence and ensures long-term climate mitigation rooted in trust, ownership, and equitable benefit-sharing.
Marine Ecosystem Restoration
We support community-driven restoration of seascapes and coastal habitats. By engaging fishers,
women’s groups, youth, conservation authorities, and local leaders in ecological assessment and
planning, we ensure that restoration reflects lived realities and local knowledge. Our methods blend science with social participation, creating resilient ecosystems strengthened by resilient
communities.
Sustainable Blue Economy Initiatives
We advance blue-economy growth that values both ecosystems and people. Our focus includes
climate-smart livelihoods, sustainable aquaculture, regenerative enterprise, and circular economy
approaches that reduce environmental pressure. Every intervention is shaped by participatory
governance processes, enabling communities to articulate priorities, negotiate trade-offs, and co-
manage marine and coastal resources effectively.
Zanzibar Archipelago Mangrove Project (ZAMP)
Location: Zanzibar, Tanzania
Ecosystem: Mangroves
Purpose: Community-centred mangrove restoration and carbon readiness.
Activities: Participatory ecosystem mapping, community governance strengthening, carbon and
biodiversity baselines, gender-responsive livelihood design, MRV development, and alignment with the Zanzibar Carbon Trading Regulations.
Impact: Protecting and restoring more than 4,000 ha of mangroves while strengthening governance and income pathways for 40 coastal communities. A human-centred model for high-integrity blue-carbon investment.
Our approach
1. Assess
We begin with social-ecological assessments that combine scientific baselines with participatory
tools,community mapping, photovoice, focus groups, and livelihood analysis,to understand how
people use, value, and depend on ecosystems.
2. Engage
Effective restoration requires trust and shared ownership. We work with Shehia(community)
leaders, women’s cooperatives, youth groups, and fishers to co-design solutions that reflect local
priorities and strengthen transparent, inclusive natural-resource governance.
3. Restore
Restoration is implemented as a partnership,not a technical exercise. We support community-
managed mangrove planting, coral-reef rehabilitation, coastal vegetation recovery, and climate-
smart enterprises that reduce pressure on ecosystems while improving wellbeing.
4. Verify
Our MRV systems integrate local monitoring roles, community-collected data, and scientific
methods. This builds skills, creates local employment, and ensures carbon and biodiversity data
reflect reality on the ground.
5. Scale
Restoration is implemented as a partnership,not a technical exercise. We support community-
managed mangrove planting, coral-reef rehabilitation, coastal vegetation recovery, and climate-
smart enterprises that reduce pressure on ecosystems while improving wellbeing.