Umoja

Network for Africa

The tourism sector grows fast on the Zanzibarian islands and has become one of the world's leading industries. Since tourism profits from beautiful landscapes and natural and cultural diversity, and relies on peace and security for its development, it would be in the tourism industry's interest to contribute to the protection of the global environment and social justice. But instead of being blessed with growing wealth, the local people have to handle many newly developped problems: The problem of isolation especially the exclusion of the poor from decision-making processes, displacement of the poor from their land, raising prices and restricted chances to compete with foreign investors and tourist operators.

It is undeniable that tourism offers new possibilities for employment and development, especially in poorer, structurally weak regions. Umoja - Network for Africa sees the poor as individual producer, employee, casual labourer and operator of micro and small enterprises. Our aim is the planning and implementation of educational programmes and entrepreneurship trainings to develop skills, products, marketing links and commercial expertise of the local population in order to expand their employment and business opportunities in the informal sector and a sustainable development of tourism in favour of the local population for the coming future. Product-Development and development of skills are directly combined and shared with the poor.

Sustainable tourism contributes to the preservation and the harmonious development of a tourism destination through taking into account the long-term interests of current and future generations of people, the preservation of the environment and cultural heritage, and the equitable distribution of resources generated by tourism.