Protection and sound management of coastal and marine areas are acknowledged as important mechanisms for alleviating poverty in the developing tropics. Tanzania has had considerable practical experience with a diversity of models that rely on private sector partnerships, community co-management regimes, and government-led initiatives for marine protection. 'Blueprint 2050' outlines a vision of what a protected area system could look like in 50 years. It draws on state-of-the-art ecosystem, socioeconomic, financial, and institutional background studies to paint a picture that emphasizes...

Tanzania's annual real economic growth rate has in recent years been between 6 and 7 percent with Gross National Income equivalent to about US$340 per person. A hidden economy could potentially have contributed an additional US$100 per person. Forestry, fisheries, mining, and wildlife made traditional contributions to the economy. Hidden values and untapped potential remain uncounted. Some 582,000 tourists visited Tanzania in 2004, contribution US$750 million to export earnings. A recent single shipment of illegal ivory left Tanga, valued at US$200 million. Commercial fishing fleets operating...