As one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, Kenya has intensified efforts to restore its mangrove ecosystems in recent years to combat climate change and achieve sustainable development.
Adapted to thrive in salt and brackish water, mangroves are found along coasts and estuaries in 123 countries in the tropics and subtropics, according to the United Nations Environment Program in July 2023. These forests are vital for protecting shorelines from storms, erosion and flooding, improving water quality, and providing natural habitat for over 1,500 species. They also benefit adjacent ecosystems such as coral reefs.
Despite their importance, mangroves remain a fragile ecosystem. More than three-quarters of the world’s mangrove forests are currently under threat. Between 1985 and 2009, Kenya lost about 20 percent of its mangrove cover. In response, the country has moved to promote mangrove restoration through policy support, community involvement, and international cooperation. In 2013, Kenya launched the "Mangroves Together" project to encourage community-led planting initiatives.
"Our aim is to replant in the open areas that are no mangroves, so that this will conserve their nature. It is a way of promoting the community to earn something, at least to sustain their families," said Endoro, a program participant.
Further strengthening its commitment, Kenya enacted the Forest Conservation and Management Act in 2016, and has increased cooperation with neighboring countries in the Western Indian Ocean under the Nairobi Convention framework.
Infrastructure projects have also taken heed. When the Chinese-built Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway began construction in 2014, measures were implemented to bypass mangrove areas and provide seedling funds to local communities, balancing economic development with ecological restoration.
"Environmental issues go across boundaries. They don't know boundaries and therefore there is a lot of cooperation that is required. Whatever we do with the environment, we have to make sure it is sustainable for us to be able to meet our needs and the needs of the future generation," said James Mwang'ombe, head of Forest Health and Biodiversity Conservation at Kenya Forest Service.
July 26 marks the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem. Adopted by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 2015, this special day aims to raise awareness of the importance of mangrove ecosystems as "unique, special and vulnerable ecosystem" and to promote solutions for their sustainable management, conservation and uses.
Kenya steps up efforts to restore mangrove forest
