Community-Led Adaptation: The Role of Beach Management Units (BMUs) in Addressing Climate Change in Tanzania

As climate change increasingly affects coastal communities in Tanzania, local responses have emerged as essential strategies for adaptation and resource management. Beach Management Units (BMUs), community-based organizations initially formed to oversee sustainable fisheries, have taken on new roles in responding to the multifaceted impacts of climate change. This paper explores how BMUs have adapted their activities to mitigate the effects of rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and shifting fish populations, highlighting their role in local climate governance.

The study draws on qualitative data collected from coastal regions of Tanzania, where BMUs collaborate with local governments, NGOs, and international organizations to implement climate-resilient practices.

These include reforestation of mangroves, enforcement of sustainable fishing regulations, and education programs aimed at increasing community awareness of climate risks. The BMUs also serve as crucial actors in disaster response and preparedness, coordinating efforts to protect vulnerable coastal areas from extreme weather events.

Findings suggest that BMUs not only contribute to the sustainable management of marine resources but also play a vital role in enhancing the resilience of coastal communities to climate change. Their integration of traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation techniques represents a hybrid approach to climate adaptation. However, challenges such as inadequate funding, limited technical capacity, and policy fragmentation hinder the full potential of BMUs in addressing climate change at scale.

This paper argues that strengthening BMUs through increased investment, capacity-building, and policy support could further enhance their effectiveness as frontline organizations in the fight against climate change. As such, BMUs present a model for community-led, adaptive management that can be replicated across other coastal regions facing similar climate-related challenges.