Ocean Cause
Proudly giving back 5% to Thanda Islands Coral Regeneration Project
Elegance that empowers change
Shop our intentional jewellery products that give back to our philanthropy partners across Africa in support of wildlife and nature conservation. We are proud to donate 5% of our sales from the Ocean collection to support the Thanda Island Coral Regeneration Project for their work in preserving marine life and marine habitats in Tanzania.
The Ocean Cause
Thanda Island Coral Regeneration Project is part of research and conservation projects as well as the preservation and rehabilitation of the Shungimbili coral reef. The island provides a basis for its neighbouring Mafia Island’s Marine Park Rangers to patrol the western side of Mafia and several other islands to stop illegal fishing in the area. Thanda Island is deeply committed to the Mafia’s young people education and wellbeing, including programmes on sustainable fishing and marine conservation and the development of healthy sporting activities. We employ members from the community on the Island and offer high-end hospitality skills development and employment advancement.
Uniquely situated in Tanzania’s Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, Thanda Island is surrounded by vulnerable coral reefs. Its seas are home to the gentle whale shark categorised by the IUCN as vulnerable to extinction. It is also home to five species of sea turtles and dolphins, all of which need concerted conservation programmes to ensure their survival. Thanda Island’s marine biologist is monitoring the condition of the surrounding Shungimbili reefs and a reef restoration project is helping to stimulate the recovery of the reefs and the marine species that depend on them.
Thanda Island partners with the Tanzanian Marine Parks and Reserves Unit on a range of marine conservation and educational programmes including the Ropes of Hope restoration of the coral reef project. These include research conservation initiatives associated with the marine reserve and Mafia Island Marine Park, of which our flagship conservation project is the restoration of the Shungimbili Island coral reef in collaboration with local conservation partners. Five species of marine turtles occur in Tanzania’s waters. The largest fish in the world – the gentle, human-friendly whale shark – feeds just south of the Island.
Turtle Conservation - Five species of marine turtles occur in Tanzania’s waters: Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley and Leatherback turtles. All are categorised by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) as endangered or critically endangered species. We often have sightings around Thanda Island and know that you will be utterly amazed by these creatures. Our focus on sea turtles conservation has led to recreating a conservation haven for them, which has proven successful; the first Green turtle hatchlings were born at the end of May 2017. We hope that increasing numbers of turtles will return to nest on the Island. It is still a rare occurrence and only seasonal, yet if you are lucky, you may witness this unique event during your stay.
Whale Shark Conservation - Thanda Island is also proudly partnering with The Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) which is globally recognized marine conservation non-profit that focuses on protecting the most endangered ocean giants, and the habitats they call home.
We are proud to donate 5% of our sales to support Thanda Islands work in preserving marine wildlife and marine habitats in Tanzania. To find out more about how you can help support this amazing foundation click the link Thanda Island Coral Regeneration Project.