Improved management of mangrove forests in Lamu
Strengthening capacity in Kenya's Kiunga and Pate Island community conservancies to protect, manage and restore mangroves
Mangroves are found along much of Kenya’s coastline. Despite arid conditions, the most extensive mangroves are found in the northern Lamu Archipelago. Unfortunately, due to illegal harvest, clearance, pollution, and other factors, these forests have become degraded. The Nature Conservancy is working to support and strengthen the capacity of Kenya’s Kiunga and Pate Island community conservancies to protect, manage and restore priority mangrove habitat. In order to do this, TNC is addressing weak governance and institutional frameworks by establishing a Community Forest Association (CFA) to build local capacity to collaboratively manage mangrove forests, and hold trainings and develop synergies with other community-led conservation institutions. In addition, the project supports community enforcement mechanisms to control unregulated exploitation of mangroves. The project aims to restore 25 hectares of degraded mangroves through community initiatives and support drafting of area-specific mangrove zoning plans for Pate Island to guide sustainable mangrove harvesting and enhance community benefits.
