From degraded to thriving: Mangrove revival in motion

The government has intensified efforts to restore degraded mangrove ecosystems in the Coast, aligning with its ambitious national target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

Conservation Secretary in the State Department for Wildlife John Chumo said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to raise Kenya’s forest cover from below the constitutional threshold of 10 per cent to at least 30 per cent.

“We are here to restore critical habitats, particularly mangrove ecosystems, which play a vital role in environmental conservation. As a country, we must increase our forest cover, and mangroves are central to achieving this goal,” he said during a mangrove planting exercise in Miritini, Mombasa county.

Chumo said mangroves are far more efficient in carbon sequestration than terrestrial forests, absorbing up to five times more carbon per square metre, making them crucial in the fight against climate change.

In addition to carbon storage, mangroves act as natural water purifiers and help control soil erosion by slowing water flow before it reaches the ocean.

They also provide breeding and nursery grounds for more than 1,500 species, including fish and crustaceans, highlighting their importance to marine biodiversity.

Under the current phase of the programme, the government plans to plant at least 10,000 mangrove seedlings in the Miritini area, with more planting activities scheduled in the coming months.

Mombasa county forest conservator Bernard Wahome said about 40 per cent of the county’s 423.15 hectares (1,045 acres) of forest cover is degraded, underscoring the urgency of restoration efforts.

“It is our duty to rehabilitate these degraded areas. Mangroves sequester significantly more carbon than terrestrial forests, so restoring them has substantial environmental benefits,” he said.

Wahome said the initiative is also promoting nature-based enterprises such as beekeeping, fish farming and ecotourism, aimed at easing pressure on forest resources while improving local livelihoods.

He cited illegal mangrove harvesting and illicit local brew operations as major threats but said authorities are tackling them through a multi-agency approach involving security teams and community participation.

Community Forest Associations (CFAs) have emerged as key players in conservation.

John Nyamwaya, representing the Mombasa Kilindini Community Forest Association, said the group works closely with the Kenya Forest Service to protect mangroves in areas such as Tudor Creek, Port Reitz Creek and Mtwapa Creek.

“We patrol these forests and report any illegal activities. Currently, mangrove harvesting is not allowed in Mombasa, and offenders are prosecuted according to the law,” said Nyamwaya.

He said the association is actively involved in reforestation and income-generating activities, including selling mangrove seedlings and operating fish ponds.

“We plan to introduce beekeeping once the forest is fully restored,” he said, noting that declining fish stocks had pushed the community to explore alternative livelihoods.

Women and youth groups are also playing a significant role.

Mariam Mohamed, a member of a local community group, said organised groups are managing mangrove nurseries while supporting conservation efforts.

“As women, men and youth, we work together to raise mangrove seedlings. This not only helps restore the environment but also provides income to support our families,” she said.

Mariam said mangroves are vital for sustaining marine life, noting that healthier ecosystems lead to better fish harvests. She said community vigilance has significantly reduced illegal logging.

“We report any destruction of mangroves to forest officers, and this has helped curb illegal practices,” she said.

Mariam said selling seedlings, at about Sh100 each, has become a reliable source of income, helping households meet essential needs such as school fees.

The restoration initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service, the Kenya Wildlife Service, county governments, and local communities, covering the coastal region from Kwale to Lamu.