Mangrove ecosystems are highly productive ecosystems along the coast of tropical countries. The
system provides a range of ecosystem services that are valuable for human societies. While most
African countries are lacking legislations to prevent mangroves, Tanzania’s mangroves have been
protected by legal measures since 1928. However, degradation of the ecosystem has continued,
largely due to land change and urban development. The greatest loss of mangroves in Tanzania
have been in Dar es Salaam, which is also where the highest rate of urbanization is occurring.
This study examines how the social-ecological systems of mangroves in Dar es Salaam are
affected by urbanization and what the challenges and possibilities for a resilient system are. The
resilience and vulnerability of social-ecological systems of two mangroves in Dar es Salaam; the
urban mangrove system in Msimbazi valley and the peri-urban mangroves in Kunduchi. Data was
collected through qualitative semi-structured interviews with residents, local government, CBOmembers,
businesses and governmental institutions. Additional data was obtained from
observations and interpretation of satellite images. The conceptual framework guiding this study
was the complementary concepts of resilience and vulnerability. Key drivers of change deriving
from an urbanized environment are identified and the concept of vulnerability is valuable in
assessing underlying causes of dynamic pressures. This study found that while there are benefits
deriving from urbanization such as lower levels of dependency, new stressors have occured that
diminish these positive effects on SES of urban mangroves in Dar es Salaam. The growing
population is putting pressure on the current infrastructure which has created disastrous floods in
Msimbazi valley and affected both the mangroves and the society. Kunduchi mangroves are still
growing and while the management system is detracting from social and ecological resilience,
opportunities exist that can potentially enhance the resilience. The SES ability to cope with
stressors from urbanization can be improved by fostering participation of the local community,
developing viable livelihood alternatives, enforcing current regulations and improving the
communication between sub-units involved in management.