Under The Wave is a marine conservation organization working along the northeast coast of Zanzibar, where the ocean, and particularly the coral reefs protecting its shores, shapes daily life.
In recent years, these reefs have come under increasing pressure. Climate change, pollution, overfishing, and unregulated tourism have taken a visible toll. Fish stocks are depleted, and ecosystems are struggling to recover. For Zanzibari locals, who depend on the health of the sea, the impact is immediate and severe and often felt without clear answers about what’s happening or how to respond.
Under The Wave partners directly with local fishermen and young people to care for the reefs they rely on. Education is central to their mission. Combining generations of local knowledge with hands-on conservation and marine science, they help communities rebuild reef health, protect livelihoods, and pass on a deeper understanding of the ocean to future generations.
Under The Wave partners directly with local fishermen and young people to care for the reefs they rely on. Education is central to their mission. Combining generations of local knowledge with hands-on conservation and marine science, they help communities rebuild reef health, protect livelihoods, and pass on a deeper understanding of the ocean to future generations.
The Film
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For much of our crew, this was their first time being on the stunningly beautiful main island of Zanzibar. So often, visitors come to vacation—to lie in the sun, swim in the sea—but we were there on a mission to help get the story out that Under The Wave is working so hard to tell: that the island will not be viable for long if it’s not taken care of starting NOW.
Our cameras came to capture this very small, very passionate UTW team working tirelessly to educate, inform, and inspire locals and tourists alike on how to take care of this magnificent island and the waters surrounding it.
Our cameras came to capture this very small, very passionate UTW team working tirelessly to educate, inform, and inspire locals and tourists alike on how to take care of this magnificent island and the waters surrounding it.
KRF Production Team
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I realized the sea was important when Under The Wave came to our school. But when they came to educate us, I understood that the sea is important in our lives. I hope to be a diver so I can go down under the water and do various kinds of research.
But when they came to educate us, I understood that the sea is important in our lives. Because if we don’t go there, we will not know what is happening below. First, I feel joy. I really like it. Going there, I see fish, various kinds, and I see corals with beautiful colors.
Protecting the sea is our responsibility together. We must protect the sea so that it also protects us.
But when they came to educate us, I understood that the sea is important in our lives. Because if we don’t go there, we will not know what is happening below. First, I feel joy. I really like it. Going there, I see fish, various kinds, and I see corals with beautiful colors.
Protecting the sea is our responsibility together. We must protect the sea so that it also protects us.
Muneera
Student
Keep The Work Going
The Kym Rapier Foundation is proud to support Under The Wave. Your support helps this organization, and the work of other organizations like it, continue to make a real difference in communities around the world that need it most.