Chumbe Island Coral Park
Chumbe Island Coral Park Ltd. (CHICOP) is an award-winning private nature reserve that was developed from 1991 for the conservation and sustainable management of uninhabited Chumbe Island off Zanzibar.
The reserve includes a fully protected Coral Reef Sanctuary and Forest Reserve that harbour rare wildlife, a Visitor and Education centre, a small eco-lodge, nature walks and historical monuments. All buildings and operations are based on state-of-the-art eco-technology aiming at zero impact on the environment (rainwater catchment, photovoltaic energy and solar water heating, composting toilets, vegetative greywater filtration etc.).
The overall aim of CHICOP is to create a model of financially and ecologically sustainable park management, where ecotourism supports conservation, research and comprehensive Environmental Education programs for local schools and other benefits for local people.
In 2011, Chumbe Island became the first Global Ecosphere Retreat (GER) certified Long Run Destination through the Jochen Zeitz Foundation which means that Chumbe strives for the highest standards in sustainability through the balance of conservation and commerce, whilst fostering community development and cultural stewardship.
CHICOP’S Mission
To manage, for conservation purposes, the Chumbe Island Reef Sanctuary and the Chumbe Island Closed Forest Reserve. This includes educational and commercial activities related to the non-consumptive use of the above mentioned natural resources and the doing of all such other things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above object.
CHICOP’S Inspiration
The project was started in the early 1990s to protect the uninhabited island, its reef and create a biodiversity hotspot and showcase effective private park management and educate the local population.
What do you hope to change in the world?
I (Diana, Marketing Manager) would change human's ignorance and short-sightedness, to make them realise that we must act NOW and make fundamental changes to our ways of life, doing business and how we respect and interact with nature.
Tourism, if managed well, can be a very powerful tool to protect our planet. In regards to Chumbe and in view of the 30x30 goal (protecting 30% of the planet by 2030) we would urge for more privately protected areas to create more biodiversity hotspots like Chumbe that are so crucial to combat climate change, ensure species' survival and education of local communities and international travelers.
CHICOP’S Legacy
As Chumbe Island we wish to inspire as many young Zanzibaris (and local community members and tourists) as possible, to make them passionate ocean advocates. At the same time we hope that our model continues to be a showcase around the world of how holistic ecotourism can create true long lasting benefits for local communities and the environment and can get replicated.
current projects
CHICOP’S Three Pillars:
Ecotourism
High end ecolodge with seven off the grid eco bungalows and guided activities (snorkeling, forest walks, coconut crab walks, intertidal walks
Funds Conservation
Patrolling, research and monitoring of the coral reef sanctuary and closed forest reserve
Environmental Education
Extensive program for local school children and community members, average of 350 participants per year who visit Chumbe island for free
WEBSITE: https://chumbeisland.com/
INSTAGRAM: @chumbeisland
