Eco-Islam reaches Zanzibar fishermen

Religious leaders are using the texts of the Koran to promote conservation messages-An approach, which has proved a great deal more successful than government regulations.

The island of Misali is just a small dot in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Pemba in Tanzania. The coral reef surrounding it is home to a rich variety of fish and turtles. Just a few years ago, this fragile island paradise was under serious threat. The non-governmental organization Care International stepped in to persuade fishermen to take better care of their environment - through a scheme based on Islamic principles. Destructive fishing methods were damaging the corals and harming species that lived there. Government bans had little impact. "People didn't experience environmental destruction in their areas until very recently," says Ali Thani, Care's project director. These fishermen have learned the benefits of fishing in a sustainable manner without harming the island's bio-diversity. After what they are experiencing, they feel that Islamic environmental ethics might be better to create awareness in the community to protect their environment says Thani. Local religious leaders like Shehe Mlekwa Lissani Bambi are now highlighting Islamic teachings about conservation in their sermons. The Koran, Muslims holy book is not widely known by many as a source of guidance on environmental and conservation. Therefore, This seem the first time the teachings of the Koran have been used in Tanzania to promote conservation. Salum Haji has fished these waters for as long as he can remember. “There have been a lot of bad things happening here,” he says.“People have used dynamite and guns to fish here.” This has destroyed the coral. “I am happy that now we have learnt that the Koran tells us to protect everything in this world, including the environment. “I am more dedicated to protecting the environment now and a more committed Muslim as well,” says Haji. The Indian Ocean islands of Zanzibar and Pemba lie off the east African coast. The semi-autonomous territory maintains a political union with Tanzania, but has its own parliament and president. A former centre of the spice and slave trades, present-day Zanzibar is infused with African, Arab, European and Indian influences. 99 per cent of the population of the Zanzibar archipelago, are Muslims.