WRITTEN ON MARCH 25, 2024
Restoration efforts along the coastline have sparked a new urgency for mangrove conservation and maintenance due to the degradation of these vital ecosystems, which has been a leading issue affecting the country’s Blue Economy. Despite restoration efforts, the degradation continues, with more areas of degraded mangroves being recorded.
The Ministry of Environment and Forest recently ranked Lamu as the county with the highest volume of mangrove coverage, totaling 61% equivalent to 37,650 hectares,Tana River follows closely with 37,260 hectares, while Kilifi and Kwale have 8,536 and 8,354 hectares, respectively. Mombasa trails behind with only 6% coverage, equivalent to 3,771 hectares.
Without proper conservation and management practices, these figures are likely to decline. According to the latest report on Forest Resource Management and Logging, between 2009 and 2018, the percentage of mangrove loss in the Kenyan coast has escalated from approximately 20% to 40%. Mombasa lost 49%, Kwale 44.6%, Lamu 14,407 hectares, and Kilifi 3,422 hectares of mangrove areas.
Kenyan Coastline counties with Mangrove (Lamu, Tana River, Kwale Kilifi and Mombasa.
“Mangrove trees are deforested every day,” lamented Douglas Jumanne Chai, a leader from the Earthlands Restoration Foundation and a Majaoni resident. “As we strive to restore them, other community members cut them down for building houses and charcoal burning.”
He emphasized the socioeconomic factors driving this destruction, stating, “The community depends heavily on these trees for economic reasons. It’s because they have nothing else they can do for a living. Empowering them with alternative livelihoods is crucial.”
Jumanne also briefly explained Mangrove as a crucial ecosystem in the coastline. “Mangrove resist harmful garbage from the ocean, filtering carbon dioxide, providing a shade for fish breeding and attracting the rains”. He used these advantages to explain the economic importance that mangrove have especially in the blue economy.
Douglas Jumanne Chai, leader of the Earthlands Restoration Foundation giving direction on planting trees.
In line with the Forest Conservation and Management Act of 2016, which aims to conserve Kenya’s forests and manage them sustainably, including fighting deforestation and carbon sequestration, the Assistant County Commissioner of Bamburi Division, Pamela Makabong’o, highlighted their efforts to combat deforestation. “We work with various community groups and NGOs to plant more mangrove trees along the coastline. Additionally, we conduct awareness campaigns to educate people about the importance of mangroves.”
ACC. Bamburi Division Pamela Makabong’o (centre) planting trees during the International day of Forestry
As she also participated in the International Day Forestry on the 21st of March 2024, Makabong’o marked that they planted 9,500 Mangrove Trees in Kidongo, Majaoni area her office partnering with other NGO’s including Dream Achievers Youth Organisation, Huduma Kenya, G 4 G, Rafiki Pepsi, and many others.
Expressing her commitment to the cause, political aspirant Beatrice Gambo declared her intention to become an ambassador of afforestation in Bamburi Division. “I nominate myself as the ambassador of afforestation to ensure trees are planted and nurtured in all wards of Bamburi. I will continue raising awareness about mangroves until we see a change.”
Beatrice Gambo speaking to journalists on Her urge towards mangrove afforestation.
Echoing the importance of youth involvement, Ezra K. from Huduma Kenya urged young people to participate in mangrove tree planting activities along the coastline. “Our strength now will determine the future of the generations to come. Let’s plant trees for their sake and the sake of our planet.”
