Roots of Change: Community-Based Ecological Mangrove Restoration in Kenya
Solution complète
Trainees during CBEMR field excursions in Lamu
Elizabeth Wamba/Wetlands International
The mangroves of Lamu and Tana account for over 65% (40,610 ha) of Kenya’s mangrove forests, which cover 61,271 ha. These critical ecosystems have been and are currently under threat mainly from logging for poles and fuelwood, infrastructural development, urbanisation, pollution and climate change impacts. Although well-intentioned, mangrove restoration efforts by government, civil society organisations, communities, and the private sector often focus solely on planting. This approach overlooks factors like water flow, nutrients, sediment dynamics, governance, and socio-economic conditions, all of which are essential for long-term mangrove health and successful ecosystem recovery.
To address this, Wetlands International partnered with Kenya Forest Service and Mangrove Action Project in 2022 to introduce Community-Based Ecological Mangrove Restoration (CBEMR) on Kenya's coast. CBEMR considers the ecological, social, and political aspects of mangrove ecosystems, prioritising conservation and natural regeneration over planting.
Dernière modification 05 Feb 2025
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Contexte
Challenges addressed
Environmental:
According to the National Mangrove Ecosystem Management Plan (2017-2027), approximately 15,587 ha of mangroves in Lamu and Tana are degraded, with a national total of 24,585 ha. This degradation and loss threaten key functions of mangroves, including coastal protection, fisheries habitats and carbon sequestration.
Social:
Successful mangrove restoration requires active community participation. However, limited awareness of the ecological and economic value of mangroves, coupled with the frequent disregard for traditional knowledge, hinders effective management and leads to unsustainable practices. This lack of engagement is compounded by a prevailing focus on planting-only restoration, which often overlooks critical ecological, socio-economic, and political factors.
Politico-economic:
Despite existing mangrove conservation policy frameworks, weak enforcement and limited budgets allow damaging human activities to persist. This is compounded by a limited understanding of the value of mangroves among policymakers.
Emplacement
Lamu, Kenya
Kilifi, Kenya
Tana River, Kenya
East and South Africa
Traiter
Summary of the process
The building blocks are organised according to the initiative’s five major steps:
1) Raising awareness and building capacity on the CBEMR approach among key stakeholders, laying a strong foundation for successful engagement. Through community champions we created a sense of ownership and participation in restoration efforts and catalysed knowledge dissemination. Aligning capacity building with policy ensures local efforts are supported by enabling policies and highlights the value of mangroves to decision-makers.
2) Establishing a demonstration site that provided a practical learning platform to cement knowledge and showcase the tangible benefits of the CBEMR approach;
3) Finally, by integrating community feedback and utilising data to inform strategic adjustments, we implemented a collaborative monitoring framework that ensures restoration efforts are continuously refined to maximise success, provide evidence on effectiveness of CBEMR approach and achievement of long-term sustainability
Building Blocks
Capacity building, Knowledge sharing and awareness raising on CBEMR with Stakeholders
This building block empowers local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to implement and sustain effective mangrove restoration initiatives. Through strategic engagement and capacity-building efforts, stakeholders are equipped with the technical expertise and resources required for Community-Based Ecological Mangrove Restoration (CBEMR). These efforts include identifying and training CBEMR champions to act as catalysts for knowledge dissemination and practical restoration activities within their communities and institutions.
Wetlands International initiated capacity-building activities by engaging local communities in Lamu and Tana through CBOs, CFAs, and key government agencies, including KFS, KEFRI, KMFRI, the Lamu County Government, as well as CSOs such as WWF and the Northern Rangelands Trust. Women comprised 50% of the participants, taking a leading role in hands-on mangrove restoration efforts. Training sessions included sound restoration techniques based on the CBEMR approach, conducted in English and translated into Swahili for greater accessibility. These sessions integrated practical, relatable mangrove science with indigenous knowledge, fostering inclusivity and community ownership.
In addition, stakeholders were provided with simple tools such as refractometers and pH strips to conduct salinity and acidity tests, along with resources to support monitoring and adaptive management.
CBEMR champions, nominated from CFAs, BMUs, youth groups, women groups, and government agencies, further amplified these efforts. These champions assist in mobilising communities, raising awareness, conducting restoration activities, monitoring progress, and performing ecological and social assessments. Government agency champions also serve as Trainers of Trainers (ToTs) to ensure continuous capacity building within their institutions and communities.
Based on the success of the initial trainings in Lamu and other sites, Lamu KFS officials together with Wetlands International identified the need to spread this knowledge mainly at the policy and management levels within KFS among other key stakeholders. In partnership with KFS and MAP, we organised a CBEMR managerial training for the senior managers and coastal forest managers at KFS, Directors of Environment Department from the Kwale, Kilifi, Mombasa, Tana River, and Lamu counties, academia from Kenya School of Forestry and Kenyatta University, partner organisations in Global Mangrove Alliance namely IUCN, WWF and TNC, and representatives from the Western Indian Ocean Mangrove Network and local journalists with specialisation in environmental issues.
Collaboration with CSOs, the Global Mangrove Alliance, and other partners enhanced the initiative’s reach and impact, enabling regular training and knowledge-sharing activities across the mangrove regions.
Enabling factors
Participatory and Holistic Approaches: CBEMR’s participatory design connects resource users with research institutions, local governments, conservation agencies, and civil society, leveraging their local and expert knowledge. This approach ensures holistic engagement and integration of diverse perspectives.
Strategic Selection and Empowerment of Champions: Champions were chosen based on leadership qualities, communication skills, and interest in mangrove conservation. Ensuring diverse representation, including women, youth, and community leaders, enhanced inclusivity. Champions were empowered with knowledge, skills, resources, and ongoing mentorship, ensuring effective community mobilisation and knowledge transfer. Clearly defined roles and responsibilities help to ensure that champions understand their contributions and can effectively advocate for mangrove conservation within their communities and agencies. Wetlands International helped create a system for communication and coordination, feedback mechanisms through regular meetings, and opportunities for knowledge sharing and joint problem-solving. Other than training, empowering champions has been key to the success of the initiative. This involves providing them with the necessary resources, including tools and financial support to ensure they can effectively carry out their tasks. Equally important is recognising and valuing their contributions, offering incentives that motivate them and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. This approach not only strengthens their commitment but also inspires others to actively participate in mangrove conservation efforts.
Strong Partnerships: Collaboration between Wetlands International, KFS, KEFRI, KMFRI, local communities, and CSOs facilitated effective knowledge sharing, resource mobilisation, and policy influence.
Gender Roles and Social Groupings: Recognising women’s central role in mangrove restoration activities and the relatively well-established CBOs in Lamu fostered greater engagement and ownership among stakeholders. Gender-sensitive planning ensured that initiatives were inclusive and impactful.
Access to Information and Resources: Training materials in English and Swahili, simple-to-use tools, and practical workshops enhanced knowledge transfer, enabling stakeholders to implement CBEMR effectively.
Supportive Policy Environment: Training efforts influenced KFS and other government agencies to integrate CBEMR principles into national guidelines and management strategies, fostering a conducive policy framework for sustainable mangrove restoration. Working with KFS and KEFRI on the use and application of the CBEMR approach provided for review of the national restoration guidelines which take into consideration the information on CBEMR.
Adaptive Management Approach: Regular monitoring of restoration activities allowed stakeholders to adapt strategies, learn from experiences, and improve outcomes over time, ensuring long-term success.
Lesson learned
Knowledge Sharing is Critical: Disseminating information and best practices in local languages ensures inclusivity, promoting wider adoption of the CBEMR approach. Making information accessible facilitates understanding, contribution, and participation across diverse communities.
Champions are Powerful Agents of Change: Investing in targeted champions with influence and networks amplifies the reach and impact of mangrove restoration efforts. Empowering them with skills, resources, and incentives strengthens their commitment and inspires broader community engagement.
Diversity and Representation Matter: Selecting champions from diverse backgrounds ensures that restoration initiatives are inclusive and responsive to varying community needs.
Collaboration Enhances Effectiveness: Facilitating collaboration among champions and stakeholders promotes cross-learning, knowledge sharing, and collective action, boosting the effectiveness of restoration efforts.
Policies Must Be Adaptive: Flexible policies informed by monitoring data and lessons learned are essential for addressing emerging challenges and improving restoration practices. For this National-level forest managers should be engaged in local and sub-national based restoration initiatives to aid in the development of mangrove forest policies. For instance, based on the success of the first CBEMR training in Lamu, area KFS officers identified the need to spread this knowledge to the KFS managerial team and senior policy-level managers, and other key stakeholders.
Empowerment Drives Success: Providing champions with tools, financial support, and opportunities for personal and professional growth inspires commitment and fosters sustainable community-driven conservation.
Establishment of CBEMR demonstration site for learning and research
Kitangani site located near Mokowe has had underlying hydrological challenges after sand dredged from the channel was dumped at the mangrove site. Over time, the water channels were considerably blocked, which hindered flow of oxygen and key nutrients critical for mangrove regeneration and growth.
In partnership with the KFS, Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and Mangrove Action Project (MAP), Wetlands International commenced restoration efforts of Kitangani site by bringing together a wide group of stakeholders. We engaged local communities through CBOs such as Pate Resources and Tourism Initiative (PRATI) and Lamu Community Forest Association (LAMACOFA), as well as the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) and the Lamu County Government.
Debris was cleared from the main water channel to improve biophysical conditions, including soil quality, oxygen levels, and nutrient availability, thereby supporting natural regeneration. Additionally, a site cleanup was carried out, as plastic pollution continues to be a persistent challenge in the Lamu Archipelago. Quadrants were also set for monitoring purposes.
Enabling factors
Site selection and partnerships:
Establishing a successful CBEMR demonstration site begins with selecting a degraded mangrove area with high restoration potential and accessibility for community involvement. Consideration of the site's ecological characteristics, such as hydrology, salinity, and species composition is key. Equally important is ensuring clear ownership or tenure arrangements to avoid conflicts and promote long-term sustainability. Strong partnerships are also essential, bringing together government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and local communities to collaborate effectively. Clear roles, responsibilities, and communication channels among partners will ensure coordinated efforts and efficient resource utilisation. For instance, KEFRI took the lead in monitoring the success of the interventions, while KFS ensured all approvals for the restoration action are in place and relevant actors are mobilised.
Community engagement and technical expertise:
Community engagement is at the heart of a CBEMR demonstration site. Local communities should be actively involved in all project stages, from planning and implementation to monitoring and evaluation. Incorporating traditional ecological knowledge and community perspectives into restoration strategies ensures culturally appropriate and sustainable solutions. This participatory approach has brought a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members, contributing to the long-term success of the project. Furthermore, access to technical expertise in mangrove ecology, hydrology, and restoration techniques is crucial. Engaging specialists from MAP, KMFRI, KFS and KEFRI to conduct site assessments, develop restoration plans, and provide technical guidance ensures that the project is grounded in sound science and best practices. Facilitating knowledge transfer and capacity building for community members and local practitioners empowers them to actively participate in and sustain restoration efforts.
Resource mobilisation and monitoring:
Adequate resources are needed for the successful establishment and maintenance of a CBEMR demonstration site. This includes securing funding for site preparation, restoration activities, monitoring equipment, and community engagement. Mobilising in-kind contributions from partners, such as labour, materials, and technical expertise, can further optimize resource utilisation. Establishing sustainable financing mechanisms is essential for long-term site maintenance and monitoring, ensuring the project's continued impact. A comprehensive monitoring plan is also necessary to track progress, assess the effectiveness of restoration techniques, and document lessons learned. Utilising appropriate monitoring tools and technologies, such as the Mangrove Restoration Tracking Tool and Global Mangrove Watch, enables data-driven decision-making and adaptive management.
Sharing monitoring results with stakeholders through the established national and subnational mangrove management committees promotes transparency and accountability, enhanced collaborative learning and continuous improvement.
Lesson learned
Hydrological restoration is key: Addressing the underlying hydrological challenges by clearing the blocked water channels was crucial for facilitating natural regeneration and improving site conditions.
Community involvement is essential: Engaging local communities through CBOs ensured their participation and ownership in the restoration process.
Partnerships enhance effectiveness: Collaboration with KFS, KEFRI, MAP, KMFRI, and the Lamu County Government provided valuable expertise, resources, and support. These groups are further helping with upscaling of successful CBEMR initiatives.
Demonstration sites provide valuable learning opportunities: The Kitangani site serves as a practical example of CBEMR principles, facilitating learning and knowledge sharing among stakeholders.
Monitoring and evaluation for evidence-based practice and sustainability
This building block emphasises community participation in monitoring, utilising citizen science and accessible data platforms to ensure local knowledge informs adaptive management and contributes to the long-term success of mangrove restoration.
Enabling factors
Effective monitoring and evaluation is necessary for adaptive management and long-term success in mangrove restoration. In implementing CBEMR, Wetlands International developed a restoration plan with clearly defined goals and objectives aligned with measurable and relevant indicators.
To ensure accurate and consistent data collection, a variety of methods were employed, including surveys, field observations, remote sensing, and the use of the Mangrove Restoration Tracker Tool. This tool, integrated with the Global Mangrove Watch platform, provided a standardised framework for documenting and tracking restoration progress, facilitating learning and information exchange among practitioners.
Strengthening the capacities of mangrove champions from Lamu and Tana counties through standardised CBEMR trainings and tools provided for the integration of citizen science initiatives in mangrove restoration monitoring.
Creating platforms for community feedback and input such as the national and sub-national mangrove management committees ensures that local knowledge and perspectives are incorporated into adaptive management strategies. By using monitoring data to inform decision-making and adapt project strategies, restoration efforts such as those in Kitangani and Pate restoration sites have been continuously improved to maximise effectiveness and achieve long-term success.
Lesson learned
In implementing the CBEMR approach in Kenya, we have learned the following:
- Adaptive management is key: Monitoring data has allowed for ongoing learning and adaptation of restoration strategies based on observed outcomes.
- Community involvement is necessary: Engaging communities who interact with the ecosystem on a daily basis in monitoring restoration efforts strengthens ownership and ensures that local knowledge informs decision-making.
- Data accessibility and transparency are essential: Sharing monitoring results with stakeholders promotes accountability and facilitates collaboration and cross-learning.
- Long-term monitoring is necessary: Tracking progress over time provides valuable insights into the long-term impacts of restoration efforts.
Impacts
This restoration initiative has demonstrated significant positive impacts across environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
Environmental: The Kitangani demonstration site shows remarkable progress, with free-flowing water and visible regrowth just one year after establishment. This indicates the effectiveness of the CBEMR approach in restoring hydrological processes and facilitating natural regeneration.
Further, in Pate Island and Mkunumbi, Wetlands International has successfully restored about 200 hectares of degraded mangrove areas, contributing to increased forest cover and enhanced ecosystem services.
Social: Wetlands International has significantly raised awareness among CBOs and local communities in Lamu and Tana about effective mangrove restoration approaches. This knowledge empowers communities to actively participate in conservation and sustainable management efforts.
Working with local mangrove champions, has shown a renewed sense of leadership and ownership within communities. Successfully engaging communities in citizen science initiatives their involvement has been strengthened and local knowledge integration promoted.
Economic: The CBEMR approach has proven to have higher success rates and is more cost-effective than traditional mangrove planting methods. By prioritising natural regeneration, CBEMR reduces upfront costs associated with purchasing and planting seedlings which can be costly.
Beneficiaries
Beneficiaries include Lamu's local communities (women, men, youth), forest managers, government officials, and academics trained in CBEMR. Community champions amplify the impact by reaching broader communities like PRATI, Mkunumbi, PANDAWE and LAMACOFA CFAs.
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 1 – No poverty
SDG 3 – Good health and well-being
SDG 5 – Gender equality
SDG 11 – Sustainable cities and communities
SDG 12 – Responsible consumption and production
SDG 13 – Climate action
SDG 14 – Life below water
SDG 15 – Life on land
SDG 17 – Partnerships for the goals
Story
Mto wa Simba site in Mkunumi under restoration
Elizabeth Wamba/Wetlands International
In 2011, the shoreline of Lamu, a pristine stretch of coastal beauty, began to change. Sections of it were dredged to create deeper boat transport channels, but the process, though well-intentioned, unleashed a wave of unintended consequences. The dredging disturbed the delicate balance of the mangrove ecosystem, blocking vital water channels and triggering a slow yet steady collapse of the surrounding environment. A site known as Kitangani, close to Mokowe town, became one of the most visibly affected areas, its mangroves struggling to survive. Despite multiple attempts to restore the mangroves, the efforts seemed futile, and Kitangani was labeled "impossible" to rehabilitate.
But in September 2022, Wetlands International, alongside KFS, KEFRI, MAP, and local CBEMR champions, launched a new effort to restore Kitangani. After a thorough assessment, the team began the restoration by opening blocked channels and establishing monitoring plots. The goal was to restore the area’s hydrology, improve soil and oxygen levels, and balance nutrient flow to support mangrove regeneration.
By March 2024, the site showed significant progress. Within nine months, the previously inundated area began to progressively dry up, and new mangrove seedlings emerged. The mother trees, once stressed by poor water flow, also started to regenerate. Fingerlings were also spotted in the water channel, marking nature's return.
But the story of restoration didn’t stop at Kitangani. To the east, in Pate and the west in Mkunumbi, two other sites had fallen victim to degradation. Chukuchu, once devastated by traditional limestone mining, and Mto wa Simba, ravaged by the catastrophic El Niño rains of 1997, were both in desperate need of help. With the same principles and determination, Wetlands International, the community, and KFS turned their attention to these sites in 2022. Through the application of the CBEMR approach and assisted planting where necessary, the sites now have the same positive transformation.
These efforts go beyond restoring mangroves—they have rekindled hope in local communities and key government institutions. These sites have become living classrooms, teaching valuable lessons in mangrove restoration, community engagement, and sustainable practices.
Connexion avec les contributeurs
Other contributors
Elizabeth Wama
Wetlands International
Shawlet Cherono
Wetlands International
Lilian Nyaega
Wetlands International
