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Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi plants a mangrove seedling during a mangrove restoration exercise. [Courtesy]
Kenya is shifting its mangrove conservation strategy to put coastal communities at the centre of protection efforts as illegal logging, pollution and climate change continue to threaten the country's coastal ecosystems.
The move emerged during the two-day National Mangrove Stakeholder Forum in Lamu, where government officials, researchers, conservation groups, county governments, Community Forest Associations and private sector representatives reviewed the National Mangrove Ecosystem Management Plan (2017-2027) and discussed a new approach to conservation.
“Mangrove conservation cannot be achieved by government alone. It requires communities, researchers, development partners and the private sector working together to protect one of Kenya's most valuable ecosystems,” said Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi.
