KILIFI –Kenya marked the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem with a renewed push to protect its coastal forests, announcing the successful restoration of over 8,000 hectares of mangroves and the planting of 1.6 million seedlings along the coastline. The event was held at Mida Creek in Kilifi County, where Environment Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa led government officials, lawmakers, and conservation stakeholders in commemorating the day.
“Mangroves are the backbone of our coastal ecosystems,” CS Barasa said. “They support fisheries, store carbon, and protect our communities from rising seas. Protecting them is not a choice it’s our responsibility.”
CS Barasa stressed that mangrove preservation is a national priority, linking it directly to climate security, biodiversity protection, and the livelihoods of communities that depend on fishing and coastal tourism.
Kenya’s mangrove forests cover 61,000 hectares and are found mostly along the coast. Kilifi County accounts for 14 percent of the national total. According to recent data from the Ministry of Environment, mangroves can absorb up to four times more carbon than inland forests, making them vital in climate change mitigation.
In line with this year’s global theme, Protecting Wetlands for Our Future the government highlighted key threats facing mangroves, including illegal logging, land reclamation, and pollution.
During the ceremony, the Ministry launched three national conservation documents: the Lamu County Mangrove Harvesting Plan, the Mangrove Nursery Establishment Manual, and the Mangrove Management and Restoration Plan. These documents will guide restoration efforts and improve coordination between local and national agencies.
Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi urged partners to align their projects with the National Mangrove Ecosystem Management Plan (2017–2027) and called for deeper community participation in restoration.
“Mangrove conservation is more effective when it empowers local communities,” PS Mugambi said. “Women and youth must be involved not only as beneficiaries but as key drivers of the change.”
The Ministry also distributed 200 beehives to local Community Forest Associations and provided training in mushroom farming as part of an effort to link conservation with sustainable livelihoods.
The restoration success was achieved through partnerships involving county governments, the Kenya Forest Service, Beach Management Units, and community groups.
The celebration came as Kenya advances its 15 Billion Tree Growing Program and supports the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Officials at the event reaffirmed the government’s pledge to protect and expand mangrove ecosystems for future generations.
Lawmakers from the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining led by Kilifi Woman Representative Gertrude Mbeyu Mwanyanje and Kilifi North MP Owen Baya joined the event alongside Susan Boit of the Tree Growing Secretariat and senior county and national officials.
Kenya now positions itself as a regional leader in mangrove conservation, framing the effort as critical to both environmental sustainability and economic resilience in coastal areas.
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