Protection of sound management of coastal and marine areas is acknowledged as important mechanisms for alleviating poverty in the developing tropics. Tanzania has had considerable practical experience with a diversity of models that rely on private sector partnerships, community co-management regimes, and government-led initiatives for marine protection. This report outlines a vision of what a protected area system could look like in 50 years. It draws on state-of-the-art ecosystems, socioeconomic, financial, and institutional background studies, to paint a picture that emphasizes community-based adaptive co-management, within a flexible system of eight protected area networks, on of which is the Exclusive Economic Zone.