DAR ES SALAAM, July 23 -- THE Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Presidents Office, Labour, Economy and Investment in Zanzibar, Dr Rashid Ali Salim, has stressed the importance of protecting coral reefs as they contribute to the growth of the countrys economy by attracting tourists worldwide.

He made the statement earlier on Tuesday during the launching of the National Action Plan for Conservation of Resilient Coral Reefs (NAPCRCR) in Dar es Salaam, noting that he expects that the implementation of the plan will address the various challenges affecting marine reserves, including illegal fishing, climate change as well and environmental degradation.

“Even though the country gains a lot by having major tourism, ecological well-being,...