SIT Study Abroad Logo

Tanzania

Zanzibar Coastal Ecology and Natural Resource Management

Explore ecology, natural resource management and sustainability in Tanzania-Zanzibar, on the islands of Unguja and Pemba in the Western Indian Ocean, and mainland Tanzania.

At a Glance

Credits

16

Prerequisites

Relevant previous coursework

Language of Study

Kiswahili

Courses taught in

English

Dates

Feb 1 – May 16

Program Countries

Tanzania

Program Base

Stone Town, Zanzibar

Critical Global Issue of Study

Climate & Environment

Development & Inequality

Overview

Why study abroad in Tanzania?

Zanzibar’s extensive shoreline, unique flora and fauna, and tropical climate are ideal for exploring conservation and management of coral reefs, inter-tidal zones, and mangrove and terrestrial forests. From your coastal base in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, gain a deeper understanding of the human-environment interface in the tropics, biodiversity, conservation areas, environmental challenges, and ecotourism projects. Study rare or endemic species such as the hawksbill sea turtle, Pemba flying fox, and Zanzibar red colobus monkey. Observe wildlife at Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park and snorkel at Chumbe and Misali islands and Pange Sandbar. Meet officials at Zanzibar’s Department of Forestry, the Institute of Marine Sciences, and the University of Dar es Salaam to hear their perspectives about natural resource management. Learn and practice speaking Kiswahili during your homestays in Stone Town, Zanzibar, and on Pemba Island. Understand the techniques, methods, and ethics necessary for successful field research in tropical settings and in diverse communities, and partner with an in-country expert on an Independent Study Project of your choice. Examine topics of marine and coastal environments and Swahili culture through short excursions. Meet with community members and institutions about challenges and their innovative solutions in an era of environmental change.

Highlights

  • Delve deeply into ecosystems of the Indian Ocean and the islands of Tanzania-Zanzibar.
  • Learn marine and terrestrial field methodologies on Unguja and Pemba islands.
  • Study conservation and the sustainability of coral reefs, coastal forests, and vulnerable fauna, including hawksbill sea turtles and the Zanzibar red colobus monkey.
  • Observe rare and endangered wildlife, such as the Pemba sunbird and coconut crabs.

Prerequisites

Previous college-level coursework and/or background in environmental studies, ecology, biology, wildlife conservation, the blue economy, or related fields or topics, as assessed by SIT. Swimming and snorkeling proficiency is strongly recommended.

program map

Excursions

Pemba

Spend eight days on Pemba island, which lies north of Unguja, living in a rural community and speaking with farmers and fisherfolk about environmental and cultural topics. See fruit-bat roosting sites and ecotourism destinations, and the ruins of a 14th-century Swahili town. Other trips typically address salt farms, a rubber plantation, a forest reserve, the Misali Island Marine Reserve, and a farmer field school that teaches innovative agricultural techniques.

Dar es Salaam

In Tanzania’s largest city, you’ll spend a week living in a guesthouse near the University of Dar es Salaam, the country’s most prestigious institution of higher learning. You will attend lectures on a range of topics including wildlife management and renewable energy, and go on a safari at Mikumi National Park, featuring some of Tanzania’s famous wildlife, such as elephants and lions. Learn more about the local animals while studying urban ecology, engaging in conservation efforts and exploring the complexities and outcomes of case studies in natural resource management from multiple standpoints, including those of communities.

Zanzibar

On the primary island of the archipelago, you will become familiar with the historical city and Swahili society. Island visits include, for instance, Chumbe Island Coral Park, a privately owned marine sanctuary off of Zanzibar’s coast that is home to a world-renowned coral reef. During this one-day excursion, gain a better understanding of low-impact ecotourism and environmental education initiatives. Also visit Marine Cultures, an NGO that provides extra earning opportunities for women while promoting sustainable use of ocean resources. Zanzibaris farm seaweed and sponges for both the onsite center and international export. At Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park you will study mangrove forests and collect data about frogs and butterflies.

Please note that SIT will make every effort to maintain its programs as described. To respond to emergent situations, however, SIT may have to change or cancel programs.

Academics

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to: 

  • Use Kiswahili to perform tasks, such as self-introductions, appropriate greetings, direction queries, market interactions, and summaries of experiences. 
  • Describe challenges and solutions to the use and management of natural resources in Zanzibar. 
  • Explain field survey techniques and methods used to study coastal, marine and forest habitats. 
  • Create and present a management plan for coral reefs. 
  • Compare protected and unprotected forest and marine environments in terms of threats to them and innovative solutions to ensure their resilience.
  • Design an ethically sound project with specific natural and social science field methodologies to collect primary data. 
  • Utilize the acquired cross-cultural, interpersonal, field research, and general coping skills to carry out an Independent Study Project. 

Read more about Program Learning Outcomes.



Coursework

Access virtual library guide.

The following syllabi are representative of this program. Because courses develop and change over time to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, actual course content will vary from term to term.

The syllabi can be useful for students, faculty, and study abroad offices in assessing credit transfer. Read more about credit transfer.

Please expand the sections below to see detailed course information, including course codes, credits, overviews, and syllabi.


Key Topics

  • How fragile ecosystems are challenged by tourism and industry
  • bullet list icon
  • Sustainable management of coastal forests, coral reefs, and fauna
  • bullet list icon
  • Dynamics of local ecosystems in relation to resident communities
  • bullet list icon
  • Terrestrial, intertidal, and marine ecosystems
  • bullet list icon
  • Research on a topic of choice as part of Independent Study Project

Coastal Ecology and Natural Resource Management Seminar

Coastal Ecology and Natural Resource Management Seminar – syllabus
(ENVI3000 / 4 credits)

An interdisciplinary course conducted in English, with required readings, examining coastal ecology and natural resource management in Zanzibar, Pemba, and coastal Tanzania. Lecturers are drawn from institutions such as the University of Dar es Salaam and its affiliate, the Institute of Marine Sciences in Zanzibar.

Kiswahili

Beginning Kiswahili – syllabus
(SWAH1004-1504 / 4 credits)

Intermediate Kiswahili – syllabus
(SWAH2004-2504 / 4 credits)

Emphasis is on speaking and comprehension skills through classroom and field instruction. Based on in-country evaluation, including oral proficiency testing, students are placed in intensive beginning or intermediate classes, with further language practice during homestays, lectures, and excursions.

Environmental Research Methods and Ethics

Environmental Research Methods and Ethics – syllabus
(ENVI3500 / 4 credits)

A course on environmental research methods and ethics concerning both the natural and social sciences. The main focus is on learning how to collect, analyze, integrate, and report environmental and social data in order to critically understand and evaluate program-related environmental issues. The course includes an introduction to the Independent Study Project and reviews of environmental field study ethics, and the World Learning / SIT Human Subjects Review Policy. Topics addressed include research project design, interviewing, conducting surveys, and maintaining a field journal. Specific ecological research methods may include fauna and flora identification, population analysis, animal behavior, and biodiversity monitoring.

Independent Study Project

Independent Study Project – syllabus
(ISPR3000 / 4 credits)

Conducted in the Zanzibar Archipelago.

Sample ISP topic areas:

  • Turtle conservation on Misali Island
  • Oral histories of a Zanzibari fishing village
  • A survey of invasive species in Jozani Forest
  • Environmental impact of hotels on Unguja
  • Pesticide use and awareness
  • Survey of coral genera on Chumbe Island
  • Survey of red colobus monkey migration corridors
  • Ecological impacts of salt farming
  • Environmental education in local schools
  • Urban water use in Pemba
  • Feasibility and impacts of seasonal closure of an octopus fishery
  • An assessment of community-based ecological monitoring
  • Amphibian ecology
  • Butterfly and oyster farming as alternative incomes
  • Sustainable use of natural resources for building materials
  • Changing value of fish in a subsistence economy in relation to tourism
  • Expression of environmental ethics through storytelling

Browse this program’s Independent Study Projects / undergraduate research.

Housing

Stone Town

Spend four weeks with your Swahili homestay family in historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting Swahili architecture, vibrant markets, winding streets, and mosques and museums. Study and practice the Kiswahili language both in the classroom and at home and participate in the day-to-day cultural activities of your family, allowing you to experience Swahili and Islamic traditions in the Zanzibari context.

Pemba Island

On Pemba Island, the other large island in the Zanzibar Archipelago, you will have an eight-day homestay. Situated approximately 50 kilometers to the north of Zanzibar, Pemba is rural, with diverse forests, innovative agriculture, and a strong cultural identity. Live with a family in a close-knit community, experiencing only sporadic electricity and possibly a rationed water supply. Learn what it’s like to share daily life with a family living close to the environment.

Career Paths

Positions recently held by alumni of this program include:

  • Special assistant at the Office of the General Counsel, Washington, DC

  • Research assistant / graduate student (M.A. in marine affairs) at the School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, University of Washington, Seattle, WA

  • Assistant field director at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Center for American Indian Health, AZ

  • Fisheries technician at Normandeu Associates, Inc., Westmoreland, NH

  • Community organizer for the Sierra Club, MO

Faculty & Staff

Tanzania: Zanzibar Coastal Ecology and Natural Resource Management

J. Richard Walz, PhD bio link
J. Richard Walz, PhD
Academic Director
Chacha Mwita, PhD bio link
Chacha Mwita, PhD
Program Coordinator at the University of Dar es Salaam
Narriman Jiddawi, PhD bio link
Narriman Jiddawi, PhD
Program Coordinator
Said Hamad Omar, MSc bio link
Said Hamad Omar, MSc
Program Associate
Zuleikha Makame bio link
Zuleikha Makame
Office Manager and Homestay Coordinator

Discover the Possibilities

  • Cost & Scholarships

    SIT Study Abroad is committed to ensuring that international education is within reach for all students. We believe in the transformative power of immersive, intercultural experiences and are dedicated to supporting students in their educational journey.

    See Full Breakdown
  • HEALTH, ACCESS & IDENTITY

    A critical step in preparing for your study abroad program is planning how you will maintain your health and wellbeing. Please review the following information carefully and contact [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

    View Information
sfk_fG8rK_A
  • Sustainability at the SIT Zanzibar Learning Center

    Here are the steps we take to mitigate our environmental and community impacts at our Zanzibar Learning Center

    Sustainability in Zanzibar

Alumni Testimonials

Here is what alumni of the Tanzania: Zanzibar—Coastal Ecology and Natural Resource Management program are saying.

This was an amazing experience. I learned so much and grew as a person. There was a deep connection with the community and critical ecological issues.

Micalea Leaska, St. Michael’s College

Eye-opening and challenging. This program shaped me as a person and provided me with a number of opportunities as a student.

Hannah Turley, University of Virginia