Letter from the team at ZF Devco

ZF Devco commits to undertaking the development of a state-of-the-art ferry terminal in Zanzibar, recognizing our role as stewards of both environmental and social sustainability. As we embark on this journey, we pledge our unwavering dedication to addressing as many United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as possible, ensuring that our project contributes positively to the well-being of Zanzibar's communities and its natural surroundings.

This pledge represents our commitment to the people of Zanzibar and the global community. Our goal is not just to build a ferry terminal but to create a sustainable gateway that exemplifies the principles of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We are dedicated to leaving a positive legacy, fostering economic growth, protecting the environment, and enhancing the quality of life for all in Zanzibar.

SDG Goal #13: Climate Action

  • The integration of climate change measures into design and planning 

  • Strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to natural disasters 

  • Focus on emissions reduction through materials selection, construction approaches, and operation. 

SDG Goal #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  • Promotion of policies to support job creation and growing transit enterprise

  • Guarantee of full employment and work with equal pay through construction and operation

  • Promoting beneficial and safe tourism - UNESCO blue heritage site for coral reefs, UNESCO heritage site Stone Town

  • Goal 7 encourages the use of clean and affordable energy sources, energy efficiency, and sustainable energy practices. These principles can be integrated into the planning, construction, and operation of the new ferry terminal in Zanzibar to promote sustainability, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to the region's energy resilience.

    Passenger and RoRo Ferry Terminal will boast significant solar capacity, reducing its footprint and contributing to Zanzibar’s renewable grid goals.

  • Goal 9 relates to the Passenger and RoRo Ferry Terminal in Zanzibar by emphasizing infrastructure development, innovation, sustainability, connectivity, trade facilitation, resilience, and support for the tourism industry. By addressing these aspects, the development can contribute to economic growth, improved access to services, and enhanced connectivity within and beyond the region.

  • Goal 11 is relevant to the Passenger and RoRo Ferry Terminal as ZF Devco emphasizes inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban development. The terminal can contribute to improved urban infrastructure, transportation, environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, disaster resilience, and reduce inequalities within the region while promoting community engagement and economic development.

  • Goal 14 guides ZF Devco by emphasizing the need to protect marine ecosystems, promote sustainable use of marine resources, prevent pollution, and build resilience to climate change. Integrating these principles into the development not only will ensure environmental sustainability but also supports the livelihoods of local communities and the long-term success of the Passenger and RoRo Ferry Terminal itself.

Mangrove Conservation

Mangroves are a type of salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in intertidal zones of tropical and subtropical coastlines. Widely distributed across Africa, with large concentrations Tanzania, these trees are vital for a number of reasons:

  • Provide livelihoods and cultural value for coastal communities

  • Filter and improve water quality

  • Support a diverse range of fish and wildlife

  • Play an important role in carbon sequestration

  • Providing coastal protection from storms and erosion

For these reasons, ZF Devco makes the conservation of these crucial ecosystems a top priority during the development of the Passenger and RoRo Ferry Terminal. The site includes a patch of existing mangroves, which will be considered in project planning and conservation approaches.

These mangroves serve as essential filtration for the up-coast pollution, in addition to being crucial ecosystem keystones for biodiversity and erosion control. Holistic management of the adjacent mangrove forests is part of ZF Devco’s Environmental Plan to minimize its ecological footprint.