NAIROBI, July 27 (NNN-KBC) — Kenya joined the global community in commemorating the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem IDCME) at the breathtaking Mida Creek in Kilifi County.
Speaking during the event, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah M Barasa highlighted the critical role of mangroves in enhancing climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and supporting economic development, especially for coastal communities.
Dr. Barasa, who was accompanied by Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi emphasized that mangrove conservation is not only an environmental necessity but a national priority that aligns with Kenya’s development agenda.
“Mangroves are the bedrock of our Blue Economy, our coastal security, and our climate ambitions. Protecting them is not optional. It is essential to our survival and prosperity,” the CS affirmed.
Kenya’s mangrove forests cover over 61,000 hectares, sequestering up to four times more carbon than upland forests and underpinning critical sectors such as fisheries, tourism, and local livelihoods Kilifi County alone accounts for 14% of this cover.
In line with this year’s theme, “Protecting Wetlands for Our Future,” the event spotlighted the urgent need to shield mangroves from threats such as illegal logging, land reclamation, and pollution.
As part of this year’s celebrations, the Ministry reported that 1.6 million mangrove seedlings were grown along the Kenyan coast, contributing to the restoration of 8,361 hectares of mangrove ecosystems—tripling the annual national target.
These achievements reflect the power of collective action, driven by county governments, the Kenya Forest Service, Community Forest Associations, Beach Management Units, and other stakeholders.
To further strengthen community involvement, the Ministry issued 200 beehives to Community Forest Associations and supported training on mushroom cultivation as part of nature-based livelihood initiatives aligned with conservation goals.
During the event, three key strategic documents were launched to guide national and local conservation efforts; The Lamu County Mangrove Harvesting Plan, The Mangrove Nursery Establishment Manual and The Mangrove Management and Restoration Plan.
On his part, PS Mugambi called on partners to align all restoration work with the National Mangrove Ecosystem Management Plan (2017–2027) emphasizing on the need to empower women and youth in restoration initiatives and turning conservation into a source of dignified and income-generating enterprise.
As the country pushes forward with its 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme and advances the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, Kenya reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding its mangrove heritage for future generations.
Also in attendance at the event were members of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining, led by Kilifi MP Gertrude Mbeyu Mwanyanje and Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, along with Susan Boit from the 15 Billion Tree Growing Secretariat and other senior officials from both the national and county governments. — NNN-KBC
