Remarks by the UN Resident Coordinator, Susan Ngongi Namondo, Presentation of Results from the Integrated Mangrove Rehabilitation and Beekeeping Initiative - World Beekeeping Day

• Principal Secretary, First Vice President’s Office, Ms Maryam Abdalla,
• Representative of the Government of Norway,
• Distinguished Government Officials,
• UN Colleagues, Development Partners, Community Leaders,
• Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning,

It is a great pleasure to join you today for this important showcase under the Climate Pillar of the Zanzibar Joint Programme.

Allow me to express sincere appreciation to the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, participating UN agencies, local communities, and the Government of Norway for the strong partnership that has made these achievements possible.

Today’s event, taking place on World Beekeeping Day, reminds us that climate resilience, biodiversity protection, and livelihoods are deeply interconnected.

Distinguished guests,

Zanzibar is increasingly facing the impacts of climate change, including coastal erosion, ecosystem degradation, and growing pressure on natural resources. These challenges affect livelihoods, food security, and community resilience.

This is why the work showcased today matters so much.

Mangrove restoration is not only about protecting the environment. Mangroves protect coastlines, strengthen resilience against storms and flooding, support biodiversity, and contribute to climate mitigation.

At the same time, experience shows that conservation efforts are most sustainable when communities also benefit economically.

By combining mangrove rehabilitation with modern beekeeping and livelihood support, the Zanzibar Joint Programme is demonstrating how environmental protection and economic empowerment can reinforce one another.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Zanzibar Joint Programme also represents an important example of how the United Nations can work differently — more coherently, collaboratively, and effectively — in support of national priorities.

Through the partnership of government institutions, local communities, UNEP, UNCDF, WHO, UNDP, UNICEF and others, we are seeing the value of integrated, area-based programming that responds to interconnected community needs.

This approach is helping to:

• Restore ecosystems,
• Strengthen livelihoods,
• Improve resilience,
• Empower communities,
• And create sustainable economic opportunities

Importantly, the handover of project sites to community groups and local authorities today reflects the principle that sustainable development solutions must be locally owned and community led.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Zanzibar Joint Programme is becoming an important learning platform for how integrated development approaches can be strengthened and scaled across Zanzibar and beyond.

Our shared ambition should be not simply to work together institutionally, but to deliver better and more sustainable results for people and communities.

Let me conclude by reaffirming the United Nations’ continued commitment to supporting the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar in advancing climate resilience, inclusive development, and sustainable livelihoods.

I congratulate all partners and communities involved for the progress showcased today and wish you a successful event.

Thank you very much. Asanteni sana.