The Tanzanian coastline runs approximately north- south and is dominated by three large offshore islands, those of Pemba, Zanzibar and Mafia. Our city Dar es Salaam sits on a natural harbour backed by low hills. It is an important area for many birds. Virtually the whole of the inner harbour from Kurasini to Mtoni was until, quite recently, lined with protective mangroves and supported sizeable populations of waterbirds. It is now badly polluted and degraded. The mangroves of Msimbazi Creek have been largely cleared and are subject to uncontrolled pollution from such areas as the Muhimbili Hospital complex. Remaining mangrove forests should be fully protected and an effort made to rehabilitate those now degraded. Did you know that this is the year of Biodiversity. What has biodiversity to do with climate change?