A butterfly rests on a flower at Green Tours and Safaris park in Jozani Forest in Zanzibar, Tanzania, on Aug. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)
by Xinhua writers Hua Hongli, Lucas Liganga
DAR ES SALAAM, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- A quiet revolution is taking place in the heart of the lush Jozani Forest on the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar, one fluttering wing at a time.
Green Tours and Safaris, led by Abduswamad Mohamed Khamis, is transforming the Indian Ocean island's approach to ecotourism and conservation through a unique butterfly sanctuary that is helping villagers embrace sustainable livelihoods while protecting endangered species.
Founded with the vision of becoming a leading ecotourism destination in East Africa, Green Tours and Safaris has developed a multifaceted conservation park featuring a butterfly sanctuary, a wildlife zoo, medicinal plant gardens, and spice farms.
These attractions not only draw nature lovers from around the world but also serve as educational platforms for local communities.
"We teach farmers the full life cycle of butterflies, from egg to pupa to adult, so that they can raise them sustainably," Khamis told Xinhua in a recent interview.
"This empowers them economically and replaces harmful practices with conservation-based livelihoods," he added.
The butterfly sanctuary is more than a tourist attraction; it is a hub for biodiversity education. Villagers learn how butterfly farming can generate income while preserving the delicate ecosystem of the Jozani Forest.
The initiative has sparked a shift in perception, with butterflies now seen as valuable contributors to both tourism and environmental health.
Complementing the sanctuary is a wildlife zoo that houses native species, including bush babies, monitor lizards, elephant shrews, and the endangered Red Colobus monkey, which roams freely among the trees.
Unlike traditional zoos, Green Tours Park maintains a natural environment where animals live as they would in the wild.
"We safeguard local wildlife by caring for endangered species brought to us by farmers," Khamis explained. "Our park is entirely natural. What you see here is what lives in the Jozani Forest."
Visitors also explore medicinal plant gardens and spice farms, learning about traditional remedies and culinary uses of Zanzibar's rich flora. Cooking classes offer hands-on experiences that blend cultural heritage with environmental education.
Mariam Shalghuf, an Italian visitor and mother of two, praised the park's immersive experience. "It's fascinating to see how spices grow and how butterflies develop. This place inspires me to create something similar to protect insects and improve our environment," she said.
Green Tours Park has become a vital economic engine for surrounding villages, providing jobs, purchasing locally farmed butterflies, and supporting handicraft sellers. Yet, challenges remain, particularly in raising awareness about endangered species and the importance of conservation efforts.
Khamis, who earned his master's degree in public administration from Tsinghua University in Beijing, hopes to deepen ties with China. "Chinese visitors already appreciate our park. We aim to collaborate with Chinese tour operators to share expertise and support village economies," he said.
Inspired by China's botanical gardens and conservation efforts, Khamis envisions a world-class sanctuary in Zanzibar that will attract global visitors and uplift local communities. "My time in 西瓜视频showed me what's possible. Now, I want to bring that vision to life here."
As butterflies take flight over the spice-scented air of Zanzibar, Green Tours and Safaris stands as a testament to how small wings can carry big dreams, uniting conservation, culture, and community in one vibrant ecosystem. ■
A butterfly rests on a flower at Green Tours and Safaris park in Jozani Forest in Zanzibar, Tanzania, on Aug. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)
A butterfly rests on a flower at Green Tours and Safaris park in Jozani Forest in Zanzibar, Tanzania, on Aug. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)
Children observe lizards during a tour at Green Tours and Safaris park in Jozani Forest in Zanzibar, Tanzania, on Aug. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)
A butterfly rests on a flower at Green Tours and Safaris park in Jozani Forest in Zanzibar, Tanzania, on Aug. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)
Visitors hold a python under the guidance of staff members at Green Tours and Safaris park in Jozani Forest in Zanzibar, Tanzania, on Aug. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)
A butterfly rests on a flower at Green Tours and Safaris park in Jozani Forest in Zanzibar, Tanzania, on Aug. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)
Abduswamad Mohamed Khamis, head of Green Tours and Safaris, gives an interview to Xinhua at the park in Jozani Forest in Zanzibar, Tanzania, on Aug. 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)