Introduction

  Known as the best kept secret in the Indian Ocean, the island of Zanzibar (Unguja), lies about 25 miles East of the Tanzanian coast and 6 degrees south of the equator [i].  The island is about 60 miles long and 20 miles wide, taking up a total area of approximately 650 square miles [ii].   The island’s climate consists of humid tropical temperatures that range between 20°C and 40°C [iii]. The seasons are well defined with the hot and dry season from December to March, heavy rains from April to May, and the cool dry season from June to October [iv].  Zanzibar is mainly flat with its highest elevation being 120 meters.  The western side of the island is comprised of deep and fertile soils.  The eastern side is the opposite and has poor, shallow and less fertile soils.  The eastern side is mostly coral rag area, which has rough bush cover [v].  The coral rag grassland, bush, and forest covers about 50% of the island, which is located mainly in the center and eastern part of the island.  This area is not well inhabited except along the coastal area [vi].  The western side, which used to be covered by forests is now cultivated and covered in clove plantations [vii].  In the eastern side where the coral rag area is located, food crops are cultivated in small pockets where there is a thin layer of soil.  Since there is not a lot of fertile land in the coral rag area it is used mainly for grazing  [viii].     

   Zanzibar is known for its spice industry (cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper), and its beautiful beaches and rich marine life.  Zanzibar was once the leading producer of cloves, but now produces less than 10% of the world’s output.  To capitalize on its geography and climate, Zanzibar has recently been promoting tourism that has become an economic driver for the nation [viiii].  In order to attract more tourism, Zanzibar has been changing the environment in order to create a paradise setting for the tourists [viiiii].  Development tied to Zanzibar’s economic development has led to an increase in deforestation and habitat destruction.   Using geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing imagery, this paper examines deforestation within Zanzibar.