Chumbe Island Coral Park

Environment
Being a Marine Protected Area (MPA) the focal aim of the Chumbe Island Coral Park Project is to preserve Chumbe Island's exceptional environment. Therefore we have built accommodation based on the state-of-the-art of eco-architecture and eco-technology. So - What is so special about these Eco-bungalows?

As there is no ground water source in the rocky substrate of the island, each bungalow collects its own freshwater supply from rainwater (captured from the specially designed expanse of roof) during the rainy season. This rainwater passes through a complex filtration system and is stored in spacious underground cisterns (under each living room). The water is then hand-pumped (by either Ali, Juma or Yussuf on the Chumbe Team) through a solar-powered heating system into hot & cold-water containers for the shower and hand basin in the bathroom.

The used water from showers and basins is filtered through particulate filters, ending in specially sealed plant beds so that no polluted water will seep into the Reef Sanctuary. These beds are planted with species that are demanding in water and nutrients, and therefore easily absorb any remaining nitrates and phosphates.

To deal with sewage we have also installed composting toilets. These eco-toilets prevent sewage (from septic tanks) seeping through the porous ground into the Reef Sanctuary, (as this would lead to pollution of the fragile reef ecosystem, encourage algae growth and finally kill coral communities and organisms depending on them). Instead, human waste is quickly decomposed to natural fertilizer when mixed with compost (aerobic composting) in the compost chamber. To ensure the experience for the client is the same as with any regular toilet, specialized designs have been implemented with wind powered vent pipes and gradient storage so that it feels no different to using a regular toilet; except that composting toilets need no flush water at all, thus they also effectively economize on water.

Lights are powered by photovoltaic panels on the roof that provide ample environmentally friendly 12V energy for normal usage. The open design of the bungalows, with minimal barriers to the open air, allows for maximum through-draft for cooling of the bungalows; a form of natural air-conditioning. To enhance this louvres are in place that can be lowered or closed depending on the desired temperature.

In the process of purchasing supplies, non-organic products are avoided (i.e., plastic bags) and any unavoidable non-organic waste produced by the island is removed and incinerated in a specialised incinerator constructed by the project on the main island Unguja. Drinking water is provided by advanced filters (made in Switzerland) located on the island. These effectively clean readily available tap water from Unguja, avoiding the need for mineral water in plastic bottles (which are still available for purchase, but are not readily encouraged, as plastic bottles are a problematic environmental hazard recently introduced into Zanzibar).

The walkways, nature trails and beach areas are not artificially illuminated at night. This protects feeding and breeding patterns of nocturnal animals, and also helps preserve and view one of the most stunning attractions of Chumbe Island: the rare giant Coconut Crabs (Birgus latro). Instead, individual solar powered torches are provided for all guests that recharge each day for use each night.

Community
As a professionally managed conservation area, Chumbe Island Coral Park provides important community benefits and social services to the population of Zanzibar, particularly fishermen, schoolchildren and the population in general. Since 1992 eight rangers, mostly former fishermen have been trained in Marine Park management and monitoring techniques for the reef and the forest. They have also learned English and gained the knowledge needed to guide both local and foreign visitors on the island.

Since the local Zanzibarian cuisine is a very delicious blend of Asian, Arabic, African and European traditions, it was decided that guests would be offered typical Zanzibarian cuisine. This allowed for the employment of local women as cooks and became a real success story! None of them had ever received any professional training, but routinely produce culinary delights on Chumbe Island, with meals based on seafood, local spices and sweets, and indigenous vegetables and fruits.

This creates a market for local produce, rather than imported foods, and reduces environmental pollution by minimising packaging materials, while also raising pride for the local culture.

In the local Islamic culture, women do not learn how to swim. Therefore, as is done on Chumbe, teaching schoolgirls how to swim and snorkel in coral reefs provides environmental education. This also serves as an eye-opener that is necessary for developing feelings of ownership and more political support for marine conservation.