Zanzibar unveils plan to protect historical garden

Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar has unveiled an environmental protection campaign to reserve historic garden used for educational purposes and as a nursery for tree seedlings.

The garden faces challenges such as encroachment by unlawful buildings, cutting trees/plants, illegal growing of crops, habitat destruction, plastic pollution, and littering.

Established in 1870, the Migombani Botanical Garden is the only botanic garden in Zanzibar and also one of historical sites which contain rare plants and trees, beautiful butterflies and colourful flowers that make it worth a visit.

Zanzibar first lady Mariam Mwinyi who launched the campaign dubbed Nitunze (protect me) said the campaign aims to bringing together various environmental stakeholders, students and community members to plant tree in the garden as well as cleaning.

“I have been informed that the leaders and stakeholders of the garden, as well as members of the community, have been planting trees in this area and cleaning it regularly. We want to strengthen that and promote the charm of this garden and give it the status it deserves,” said Mrs Mwinyi who was accompanied by government officials and other stakeholders.

Mrs Mwinyi is the leader of Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation which was established nearly one year ago.

“We want to distinguish this garden from other gardens in the world and make it international,” she said.

“Let me encourage you to continue protecting the garden and improve its life as well as bringing great development in the country,” she said.