The Mafia Island Marine Park (MIMP) was established in 1995. It was the first of its kind in Tanzania mainland. The local community lives within the park and their livelihoods depend mostly on the park’s marine resources. Before its creation, they observed increasing pressure on their fisheries resources due to migrant fishers using illegal blast and pull net fishing methods. Both the community and the government saw the need to mitigate the decline and took action. The Park adopted early on a collaborative management and inclusive governance system, as well as prioritized socio-economic benefits for the local inhabitants. MIMP is thriving, being a pristine place for fish sanctuary and high tourism hub.