Zanzibar, most commonly known as the ‘spice islands’ is located about 30km off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean. It was incorporated into the United Republic of Tanzania in 1964 and currently contains an estimated population of around 1.3 million people.

Tourism is the top income generator for the islands, outpacing even the lucrative agricultural export industry. As a result of their fast-growing population and water used for tourism, climate change, environmental degradation and poor infrastructure, water scarcity is an important issue that is already a major public health concern in the area.

Mnemba Island is a small island located about 3 km off the northeast coast, one of three luxury private islands owned by &Beyond. A romantic hideaway, Mnemba Island is an exclusive paradise featuring twelve rustically chic beachside bandas, for just 24 guests, connected to the breathtaking Mnemba atoll. &Beyond is strong on sustainable solutions and have already eliminated plastic water bottles, creating awareness through conversation lessons, growing a tree nursery, organize beach clean-ups and protecting and monitoring turtle nests.

As of 2022, they have also switched their old and inefficient reverse osmosis system to a state-of-the-art efficient desalination plant of Elemental Water Makers that uses 70% less electricity, does not require chemicals in its operation and ensures the brine concentration is limited to avoid any negative impact. By doing so, &Beyond has taken another big step in ensuring their guest leave no footprint while enjoying the natural beauty of the island.