Why Fund The Dar es Salaam Aquarium Foundation?

 

Why Donors Should Fund the Dar es Salaam Aquarium Project

In a bustling city that straddles the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, the Dar es Salaam Aquarium Project emerges as an ambitious vision—one that promises to reshape the future of marine conservation, public education, and economic opportunity in East Africa.

With one of the longest coastlines in Africa with multiple Islands, Lakes and Lagoons, modern public transportation and a growing middle class  in a stable and peaceful political environment-Tanzania is uniquely positioned to host this transformative project.

The Dar es Salaam Aquarium is seeking to raise $100 million USD within the next 12 months using proven matrices and practices in the hospitality and leisure space this world-class, eco-friendly aquarium project is not merely a construction plan; it’s a transformative beacon for conservation, research, education, entertainment and community development.

The Dar es Salaam Aquarium Foundation is proud to spearhead the fundraising, construction and management of this groundbreaking project for East Africa.

A Beacon of Marine Conservation in East Africa

East Africa’s coastline is home to some of the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems. From vibrant coral reefs teeming with life to vast mangroves that act as nurseries for marine species, the region’s underwater world is as fragile as it is beautiful.

The Dar es Salaam Aquarium will serve as a focal point for conservation efforts, combining cutting-edge research with public outreach to address critical threats such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change.

The aquarium will act as a living laboratory, where scientists can study marine ecosystems and develop strategies to protect them.

It will also host breeding programs for endangered species, such as the dugong and hawksbill turtle, ensuring their survival for future generations.

By engaging with local and international researchers, the aquarium will position Dar es Salaam as a global leader in marine science.

Special Features:

The Dar es Salaam Aquarium Complex will include special features such as:

A 300-person closed-dome planetarium, a 1,000-person indoor conference center, and an outdoor botanical garden with a glass-roofed shopping and dining mall  all od which will significantly enhances the Dar es Salaam Aquarium Complex’s value and appeal.

These features are important to our ongoing maintenance of the Aquarium and its expenses, here is a basic outline of how this will help our success:

300-Person Closed-Dome Planetarium

• Educational Synergy: The Planetarium offers visitors a unique way to explore celestial and marine connections, such as tidal patterns and ocean currents influenced by lunar cycles and planetary exploration through film.
• Tourist Attraction:  A Planetarium adds an exclusive feature to attract visitors, increasing foot traffic and revenue and will allow repeat customers to the complex to watch feature films and learn something new through exhibits.
• Multi-Generational Engagement: Provides an opportunity to engage with visitors across all generations ensuring visitor satisfaction.

1,000-Person Indoor Conference Center

• Revenue Generation: Attracts international conferences, corporate events, and workshops, creating a steady revenue stream.
• Knowledge Exchange: Positions the aquarium complex as a hub for marine science conferences and sustainability forums, fostering global collaborations.
• Local Empowerment: Offers a venue for community events, local business expos, and educational initiatives, promoting inclusivity.

Outdoor Botanical Garden with Glass-Domed Mall

• Environmental Awareness: Serves as a living exhibit for biodiversity and conservation, aligning with the aquarium’s mission.
• Recreational Appeal: Provides a serene space for relaxation, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
• Economic Boost: The mall creates opportunities for local entrepreneurs, artisans, and dining establishments, driving economic growth.
• Iconic Architecture: A visually stunning feature that can become a landmark, attracting tourists and promoting Dar es Salaam as a global destination.

Mini Marina

• The Mini Marina will serve as a key transportation hub-ferrying visitors between Zanzibar , Dar es Salaam, Kigamboni and the Dar es Salaam Aquarium Complex

Dar es Salaam Minerals Museum

• The Dar es Salaam Aquarium Complex will house a special museum for Tanzanian Minerals, Showcasing mineral specimens while educating the public on how mining activities can impact marine environment and coastal communities.

Each of these features not only complements the core mission of the aquarium but also diversifies its attractions, making the complex a multifaceted cultural, educational, and economic hub for East Africa.

 

Education: Inspiring the Next Generation

The Dar es Salaam Aquarium will play a vital role in educating the public about the importance of marine conservation.

Interactive exhibits, immersive underwater experiences, and hands-on workshops will bring the ocean to life for visitors of all ages. Schools across the region will have the opportunity to use the aquarium as an extension of their classrooms, inspiring students to pursue careers in marine science and environmental stewardship.

In a region where many communities rely heavily on marine resources for their livelihoods, education is key to fostering sustainable practices.

The aquarium’s outreach programs will target coastal villages, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to balance economic development with conservation. By connecting people to the ocean and its inhabitants, the aquarium will cultivate a sense of shared responsibility for its protection.

Creating Jobs and Boosting the Economy

Beyond its environmental and educational impact, the Dar es Salaam Aquarium will be a powerful driver of economic growth. Similar projects around the world have demonstrated the immense economic benefits of public aquariums. For example:

• Georgia Aquarium (USA): Since its opening in 2005, the Georgia Aquarium has contributed over $1.6 billion to the local economy, attracting millions of visitors annually.
• Aquarium of Genoa (Italy): Europe’s largest aquarium generates approximately $65 million in revenue each year, supporting thousands of jobs in the tourism and service sectors.

The Dar es Salaam Aquarium is projected to attract over 1 million visitors annually, generating significant revenue through ticket sales, retail, dining, and special events. It will create hundreds of direct jobs, from marine biologists and educators to hospitality staff and maintenance workers. Indirectly, it will stimulate the growth of nearby businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, further boosting the local economy.

 

Empowering Coastal Communities

One of the Dar Aquarium’s most compelling features is its commitment to empowering coastal communities. Through partnerships with organizations like the World Wildlife Fund, Unesco and private entities such as Banks and Stakeholders such as the  East Africa Seaweed Company and local fishing cooperatives, the aquarium will create sustainable livelihoods for thousands of coastal people. Initiatives such as eco-tourism, fair trade programs, and sustainable aquaculture will provide alternative income streams, reducing pressure on overexploited marine resources.

For example, the aquarium’s collaboration with seaweed farmers will showcase the potential of multi-trophic farming systems, where seaweed, shellfish, and other species are cultivated together. This approach not only supports biodiversity but also generates marketable carbon credits, attracting investment from companies seeking to offset their carbon footprints and this will open a new channel for funding for the build and maintenance of the Dar es Salaam Aquarium.

The Role of Sea Safari TV

Another unique feature of the Dar es Salaam Aquarium is its partnership with Sea Safari TV, a proposed cable channel dedicated to marine conservation and public education in the Western Indian Ocean region. Sea Safari TV will amplify the aquarium’s impact by broadcasting its research, conservation projects, and educational programs to audiences across Africa and beyond.

This collaboration offers significant promotional opportunities for donors and sponsors.

By supporting the Dar es Salaam Aquarium and its associated media platform, companies can showcase their commitment to sustainability and gain visibility among eco-conscious consumers. Banks, and Oil Companies for instance, can highlight their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, while eco-friendly resorts can reach a targeted audience of environmentally minded travelers.

Sea Safari TV will generate a significant stream of revenue that will be instrumental in the funding and maintenance of the Dar es Salaam Aquarium Complex.

Dar es Salaam Aquarium Funding Strategy

Our Funding Strategy is attainable and ambitious but it is entirely feasible based on applying these proven funding strategies.

1. Global Appeal: The Dar es Salaam Aquarium’s focus on conservation, education, and economic development resonates with donors worldwide. Foundations, philanthropists, and corporations with an interest in sustainability are likely to support our visionary project.
2. Diverse Funding Streams: In addition to traditional donations, the Dar es Salaam Aquarium will  leverage sponsorships, grants, and naming rights. For example, exhibition halls, research labs, and educational programs can be named after major donors, providing long-term recognition.
3. Advertising Sales from Sea Safari TV will allow us to raise at least 30% of our budget and allow us to expand and grow rapidly.
4. East Africa Seaweed Company Limited: Will donate 10% of their substantial annual revenue from Seaweed and Sea Cucumber Sales to the Dar es Salaam Aquarium Foundation seeding build and maintenance of the Aquarium.
5. Rental Contributions, The Dar es Salaam Aquarium Foundation will also receive funding from Retail, Entertainment and Hospitality Companies which seek to build within the Dar es Salaam Aquarium Complex or on associated land- allowing the aquarium to fund the build and maintain the aquarium through receiving partial rent and revenue from these establishment.
6. High Return on Investment: Donors will not only contribute to a worthy cause but also see tangible results in terms of economic impact, job creation, and environmental benefits.
7. Strategic Partnerships: The aquarium’s partnerships with organizations like the World Wildlife Fund, Oil Companies and Stakeholders such as Kinondoni Municipality, The Tanzanian Tourist Board, The Tanzanian Investment Center- The East Africa Seaweed Company and Sea Safari TV enhance its credibility and broaden its funding base.
8. Pre-ticket Sales: By selling early bird tickets to the Dar es Salaam Aquarium, we will be able to raise approximately 20% of our goal.

With diligent work and integrations with key stakeholders, we are confident the Dar es Salaam Aquarium Complex will be funded within the appropriate time frame.

A Legacy for Generations to Come

The Dar es Salaam Aquarium is more than just a building; it is a symbol of hope and progress. By bringing together science, education, and community engagement, it will set a new standard for marine conservation in Africa. Its impact will ripple far beyond the shores of Tanzania, inspiring similar initiatives across the continent and beyond.

For our donors, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of something truly transformative. By funding the Dar es Salaam Aquarium, funders will leave a lasting legacy that benefits people, the planet, and future generations.

Our funding strategy creates diverse streams of revenue, therefore funders can rest assured we will reach our deliverables and goals with success

Take Away

The ocean is our shared heritage, and its protection is our shared responsibility. With your support, the Dar es Salaam Aquarium can become a beacon of conservation, education, and economic opportunity—a gift not only to East Africa but to the world.