The coral reef surrounding Mnemba Island in Tanzania’s Zanzibar archipelago was on the verge of dying just three years ago. Climate change, overfishing, and other human activities were threatening the livelihoods of the islanders and the beauty of the reef. In an effort to save the reef, the local communities have embraced a conservation project that has successfully restored some of the lost coral. The project also aims to protect the reef from further damage. The clear waters surrounding the island allow for a close view of the reef, which lies 10 meters below the surface.

Coral reefs are often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea” because they support a diverse range of marine life. However, when sea temperatures rise due to climate change, the coral becomes stressed and expels the algae that provide nutrients. This leads to bleaching and eventually death. Dynamite used by fishermen and unregulated tourist activities have also contributed to the decline of the coral. The availability of fish has significantly decreased, causing concern among the local fishmongers.

To address these issues, the sustainable tourism group &Beyond and the non-profit organization Africa Foundation have collaborated with the islanders. Underwater nurseries have been created using steel-mesh tables, where coral fragments are grown and then replanted on the reef. Local divers have been trained as conservation rangers to tend to these nurseries. The results have been encouraging, with 80% coverage restored on the “house reef” surrounding the island. Artificial reefs made of steel and stone have also been created to replenish marine life and attract snorkelers and divers.

The success of the restoration work is attributed to the support of the local community. The conservation groups work closely with the local authorities, and the government of Zanzibar has designated the seas around Mnemba Island as a protected area. This allows for the regulation of tourist and fishing activities. The number of visitors to the house reef has been limited, and the revenue generated has increased. Fishing has been suspended around the reef during the restoration process, leading to a decrease in illegal practices and an increase in knowledge about sustainable fishing methods among the fishermen.

The Zanzibar government is encouraged by the success of the Mnemba restoration project and plans to expand it to other areas under threat. Buoys have been placed to indicate areas where fishing is not allowed. The pressures facing Zanzibar’s reefs reflect the threats facing coral reefs worldwide. While the project cannot stop warmer sea currents, it hopes to inspire efforts to protect other threatened areas. The relationship between the sea and coral is crucial for ocean health, and the restoration work aims to restore the reefs to their original state.

Original news source: How islanders are saving their Indian Ocean coral reef (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Each group will be assigned a specific aspect of the article to focus on (e.g. the threats to the coral reef, the conservation project, the role of the local community, etc.). Give the groups a few minutes to read and discuss their assigned aspect. Then, they should create a concise summary of their aspect, highlighting the most important points. Afterward, each group will present their summary to the class.

– Word Association
Instructions: Write the word “coral reef” on the board. In a clockwise direction, go around the class and have each student say a word or phrase that comes to mind when they think of coral reefs. Encourage them to think of adjectives, verbs, nouns, or any other type of word that they associate with coral reefs. Write down each word or phrase on the board. Once everyone has contributed, discuss the associations and ask students to explain why they made those connections.

– Sketch It
Instructions: Give each student a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. Instruct them to draw a sketch that represents the main idea or message of the article. They can use symbols, images, or any other visual representation they prefer. After a few minutes, have students share their sketches with a partner and explain the reasoning behind their choices. Then, ask a few volunteers to share their sketches with the whole class.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into two groups: one group representing the viewpoint of the local community and conservationists, and the other group representing the viewpoint of fishermen and tourists. Each group should discuss and brainstorm the pros and cons of the restoration project described in the article from their respective perspectives. Afterward, have a debate where representatives from each group present their arguments to the class. Encourage respectful and constructive discussion.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Ask the students to imagine themselves as environmentalists or scientists working in the field of marine conservation. In small groups, they should discuss and brainstorm ideas for future projects or initiatives that could further protect and restore coral reefs. Each group should come up with at least three specific ideas and briefly explain why they believe these ideas would be effective. Afterward, have each group share their ideas with the class.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What were the factors threatening the coral reef surrounding Mnemba Island?
2. Why are coral reefs often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea”?
3. How have local communities and conservation groups collaborated to restore the coral reef?
4. What methods have been used to restore the coral reef surrounding Mnemba Island?
5. How has the local community supported the restoration work?
6. How has the Zanzibar government responded to the success of the restoration project?
7. What is the significance of the relationship between the sea and coral for ocean health?
8. What is the goal of the restoration work on the coral reefs?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

The coral reef surrounding (1)______ Island in Tanzania’s Zanzibar archipelago was on the verge of dying just three years ago. (2)______ change, overfishing, and other human activities were threatening the livelihoods of the islanders and the (3)______ of the reef. In an effort to save the reef, the (4)______ communities have embraced a conservation project that has successfully restored some of the lost coral. The project also aims to protect the reef from further damage. The clear waters surrounding the island allow for a close view of the reef, which lies 10 meters below the surface.

Coral reefs are often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea” because they support a diverse range of marine life. However, when sea temperatures rise due to climate change, the coral becomes stressed and expels the algae that provide nutrients. This leads to bleaching and eventually death. Dynamite used by fishermen and unregulated tourist activities have also contributed to the decline of the coral. The (5)______ of fish has significantly decreased, causing concern among the local fishmongers.

To (6)______ these (7)______, the sustainable tourism group &Beyond and the non-profit organization Africa Foundation have collaborated with the islanders. (8)______ nurseries have been created using steel-mesh tables, where coral fragments are grown and then replanted on the reef. Local divers have been trained as conservation rangers to tend to these nurseries. The (9)______ have been encouraging, with 80% coverage restored on the “house reef” surrounding the island. Artificial reefs made of steel and stone have also been created to replenish marine life and attract snorkelers and divers.

The success of the restoration work is attributed to the support of the local community. The conservation groups work closely with the local authorities, and the government of Zanzibar has designated the seas around Mnemba Island as a (10)______ area. This allows for the regulation of tourist and fishing activities. The number of visitors to the house reef has been limited, and the (11)______ generated has increased. Fishing has been (12)______ around the reef during the restoration process, leading to a decrease in illegal practices and an increase in knowledge about sustainable (13)______ methods among the fishermen.

The Zanzibar government is encouraged by the success of the Mnemba restoration project and plans to expand it to other (14)______ under threat. Buoys have been placed to indicate areas where fishing is not allowed. The pressures facing Zanzibar’s reefs reflect the threats facing (15)______ reefs worldwide. While the project cannot stop warmer sea currents, it hopes to (16)______ efforts to protect other threatened areas. The relationship between the sea and coral is crucial for ocean health, and the restoration work aims to restore the reefs to their original state.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is a coral reef and why are they important?
2. How would you feel if you lived on an island that was losing its coral reef?
3. Do you think climate change is a major threat to coral reefs? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever gone snorkeling or diving? What was your experience like?
5. What do you think about the use of dynamite by fishermen? Is it an effective method? Why or why not?
6. How do you think the local community’s involvement has contributed to the success of the restoration project?
7. Do you think it is important for governments to designate protected areas for marine conservation? Why or why not?
8. Have you ever witnessed the effects of overfishing in your country? How did it impact the local community?
9. What do you think about the idea of creating underwater nurseries to grow and replant coral fragments?
10. How do you think sustainable tourism can help protect coral reefs?
11. Do you think artificial reefs are a good solution for replenishing marine life? Why or why not?
12. How do you think the restoration project has increased knowledge about sustainable fishing methods among the local fishermen?
13. Do you think other countries should replicate the Mnemba restoration project in their own threatened areas? Why or why not?
14. How do you think the restoration of coral reefs can contribute to ocean health?
15. What actions do you think individuals can take to help protect coral reefs worldwide?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. archipelago
2. livelihoods
3. conservation
4. bleaching
5. unregulated
6. fishmongers
7. nurseries
8. rangers
9. replenished
10. designated
11. regulation
12. suspended
13. illegal
14. sustainable
15. currents

Meanings:
(A) People employed to protect and preserve natural areas
(B) Against the law
(C) Officially assigned or set aside for a specific purpose
(D) Restored or refilled to a former level or condition
(E) A group or chain of islands
(F) Temporarily stopped or halted
(G) The act of controlling or managing activities by rules or laws
(H) Means of securing the necessities of life
(I) Places where young plants or animals are grown and cared for
(J) People who sell fish
(K) Continuous, directed movements of seawater
(L) Not controlled or supervised by rules or laws
(M) Capable of being maintained over the long term without harming the environment
(N) The act of preserving and protecting the environment
(O) The process where coral loses its color and vitality
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What was threatening the coral reef surrounding Mnemba Island?
(a) Pollution and oil spills
(b) Natural disasters and earthquakes
(c) Climate change, overfishing, and other human activities
(d) Lack of sunlight and nutrients

2. Why are coral reefs often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea”?
(a) Because they are located in tropical regions
(b) Because they receive a lot of rainfall
(c) Because they support a diverse range of marine life
(d) Because they are home to many different plant species

3. What happens to coral when sea temperatures rise due to climate change?
(a) It becomes stressed and expels the algae that provide nutrients
(b) It grows at a faster rate
(c) It becomes stronger and more resilient
(d) It attracts more fish and marine life

4. What has contributed to the decline of the coral reef around Mnemba Island?
(a) Pollution from nearby factories
(b) Lack of sunlight and nutrients
(c) Natural predators feeding on the coral
(d) Dynamite used by fishermen and unregulated tourist activities

5. What has been done to restore the coral reef around Mnemba Island?
(a) The coral has been artificially dyed to make it appear healthier
(b) Underwater nurseries have been created to grow and replant coral fragments
(c) The coral has been relocated to a different area
(d) The coral has been left to naturally regenerate on its own

6. What has been the result of the restoration work on the “house reef” surrounding Mnemba Island?
(a) 80% coverage of the coral has been restored
(b) The coral has completely recovered and is healthier than ever
(c) The coral has continued to decline despite restoration efforts
(d) The restoration work has had no significant impact on the coral reef

7. How has the local community supported the restoration work?
(a) By protesting against the restoration project
(b) By working closely with conservation groups and the local authorities
(c) By continuing to engage in illegal fishing practices
(d) By refusing to limit tourist activities around the reef

8. What is the goal of the Mnemba restoration project?
(a) To completely stop warmer sea currents
(b) To increase the number of visitors to the house reef
(c) To relocate the coral to a different area
(d) To inspire efforts to protect other threatened areas

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The coral reef surrounding Mnemba Island in Tanzania’s Zanzibar archipelago was thriving just three years ago.
2. Dynamite used by fishermen and unregulated tourist activities have contributed to the decline of the coral.
3. The success of the restoration work is attributed to the support of the local community.
4. Coral reefs are often referred to as the “deserts of the sea” because they support a diverse range of marine life.
5. Climate change, overfishing, and other human activities were threatening the livelihoods of the islanders and the beauty of the reef.
6. The local communities have rejected a conservation project that has successfully restored some of the lost coral.
7. Sea temperatures rising due to climate change cause coral to become stressed and expel the algae that provide nutrients.
8. The project aims to ignore the reef from further damage.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What were the main threats to the coral reef surrounding Mnemba Island?
2. How have local communities and conservation groups collaborated to restore the coral reef?
3. What methods have been used to restore the coral reef?
4. How has the local community supported the restoration work?
5. What are the future plans for the restoration project?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. The factors threatening the coral reef surrounding Mnemba Island were climate change, overfishing, and other human activities.
2. Coral reefs are often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea” because they support a diverse range of marine life.
3. Local communities and conservation groups have collaborated by creating underwater nurseries, training local divers as conservation rangers, and working closely with local authorities.
4. The methods used to restore the coral reef surrounding Mnemba Island include creating underwater nurseries using steel-mesh tables, growing coral fragments, and replanting them on the reef. Artificial reefs made of steel and stone have also been created.
5. The local community has supported the restoration work by working closely with the conservation groups and local authorities. They have limited the number of visitors to the reef, increased revenue generated, suspended fishing around the reef during restoration, and increased knowledge about sustainable fishing methods.
6. The Zanzibar government is encouraged by the success of the Mnemba restoration project and plans to expand it to other areas under threat. They have placed buoys to indicate areas where fishing is not allowed.
7. The relationship between the sea and coral is crucial for ocean health because coral reefs support a diverse range of marine life and contribute to the overall health and balance of the ocean ecosystem.
8. The goal of the restoration work on the coral reefs is to restore the reefs to their original state and protect them from further damage.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Mnemba
(2) Climate
(3) beauty
(4) local
(5) availability
(6) address
(7) issues
(8) Underwater
(9) results
(10) protected
(11) revenue
(12) suspended
(13) fishing
(14) areas
(15) coral
(16) inspire
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. archipelago
Answer: (E) A group or chain of islands

2. livelihoods
Answer: (H) Means of securing the necessities of life

3. conservation
Answer: (N) The act of preserving and protecting the environment

4. bleaching
Answer: (O) The process where coral loses its color and vitality

5. unregulated
Answer: (L) Not controlled or supervised by rules or laws

6. fishmongers
Answer: (J) People who sell fish

7. nurseries
Answer: (I) Places where young plants or animals are grown and cared for

8. rangers
Answer: (A) People employed to protect and preserve natural areas

9. replenished
Answer: (D) Restored or refilled to a former level or condition

10. designated
Answer: (C) Officially assigned or set aside for a specific purpose

11. regulation
Answer: (G) The act of controlling or managing activities by rules or laws

12. suspended
Answer: (F) Temporarily stopped or halted

13. illegal
Answer: (B) Against the law

14. sustainable
Answer: (M) Capable of being maintained over the long term without harming the environment

15. currents
Answer: (K) Continuous, directed movements of seawater
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What was threatening the coral reef surrounding Mnemba Island?
Answer: (c) Climate change, overfishing, and other human activities

2. Why are coral reefs often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea”?
Answer: (c) Because they support a diverse range of marine life

3. What happens to coral when sea temperatures rise due to climate change?
Answer: (a) It becomes stressed and expels the algae that provide nutrients

4. What has contributed to the decline of the coral reef around Mnemba Island?
Answer: (d) Dynamite used by fishermen and unregulated tourist activities

5. What has been done to restore the coral reef around Mnemba Island?
Answer: (b) Underwater nurseries have been created to grow and replant coral fragments

6. What has been the result of the restoration work on the “house reef” surrounding Mnemba Island?
Answer: (a) 80% coverage of the coral has been restored

7. How has the local community supported the restoration work?
Answer: (b) By working closely with conservation groups and the local authorities

8. What is the goal of the Mnemba restoration project?
Answer: (d) To inspire efforts to protect other threatened areas
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The coral reef surrounding Mnemba Island in Tanzania’s Zanzibar archipelago was thriving just three years ago. (Answer: False)
2. Dynamite used by fishermen and unregulated tourist activities have contributed to the decline of the coral. (Answer: True)
3. The success of the restoration work is attributed to the support of the local community. (Answer: True)
4. Coral reefs are often referred to as the “deserts of the sea” because they support a diverse range of marine life. (Answer: False)
5. Climate change, overfishing, and other human activities were threatening the livelihoods of the islanders and the beauty of the reef. (Answer: True)
6. The local communities have rejected a conservation project that has successfully restored some of the lost coral. (Answer: False)
7. Sea temperatures rising due to climate change cause coral to become stressed and expel the algae that provide nutrients. (Answer: True)
8. The project aims to ignore the reef from further damage. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧