Salt and Stone

‘Salt and Stone’ is a two‑year project dedicated to safeguarding Swahili coastal heritage in Zanzibar and the Comoros. The project focuses on the restoration of two historic buildings facing accelerating climate‑related threats, including sea‑level rise, salinisation, increased humidity, and more frequent extreme weather events.

Salt and Stone safeguards Swahili coastal heritage in Zanzibar and the Comoros, combining architectural conservation, climate adaptation and community participation to protect two historic buildings and strengthen the skills needed for their long-term care. At Ba’mnara Mosque in Stone Town, Zanzibar, conservation will address salt damage, moisture and deterioration of the coral stone structure, protecting an important landmark that remains an active place of worship. At Swaniani Princely House in Mutsamudu, Comoros, work will conserve historic timber, decorative plasterwork and masonry, supporting its future as an accessible cultural space for young people. Practical training in timber repair, stone masonry and lime plaster techniques will strengthen the local conservation workforce, with particular emphasis on opportunities for women and young people, while community engagement, including school heritage activities and climate awareness programmes, will connect residents with the buildings and encourage participation in their protection. Exchanges between practitioners in Zanzibar, the Comoros and the UK will combine local expertise with wider experience in climate adaptation and heritage management. A regional conference will share learning across East Africa and the Indian Ocean, helping other coastal communities respond to similar challenges and sustain their heritage for future generations.

Project Details


Location: Moutsamoudou, Comoros, Tanzania, United Kingdom, Eastern Africa, Northern Europe, Africa, Europe Organiser(s): International National Trusts Organisation (INTO) Project partner(s): Zanzibar Stone Town Heritage Society, Collectif du Patrimoine des Comores Funder(s): ALIPH Funding received: $500,000 USD Commencement Date: 02/2026 Project Status: Active
Project owner? Update this project



Related Projects

Heritage Schools Club outside the Bamnara Mosque

Salt and Stone

‘Salt and Stone’ is a two‑year project dedicated to safeguarding Swahili coastal heritage in Zanzibar and the Comoros. The project focuses on the restoration of two historic b…

Explore project
Yemen castle

Al-Qahira Castle restoration

Al-Qahira Castle of Taiz is located on the northern slope of Sabr Mount, over a rocky hill that overlooks the city. It was destroyed by the Islamic State in June 2015 and we h…

Explore project
Save21

Save Ukrainian Heritage

Skeiron preserves Ukraine's cultural heritage through 3D scanning of monuments, using laser and photogrammetry technologies. The #SaveUkrainianHeritage project aims to create …

Explore project