Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Dr Deborah Barasa, has emphasised the critical role of mangrove conservation in the country’s climate strategy during World Mangrove Day celebrations in Mokowe, Lamu County.
Addressing government officials, conservationists, researchers, and community members, Dr Barasa described mangroves as among Kenya’s most valuable natural resources, vital for enhancing climate resilience, safeguarding coastlines, and supporting coastal economies.
Mangrove Importance and Threats
Kenya’s mangrove forests span approximately 61,271 hectares along a 536-kilometre coastline, with Lamu County alone containing nearly two-thirds of this cover. These ecosystems provide critical habitats for fisheries, sustain livelihoods through eco-tourism and sustainable harvesting, and act as natural buffers against coastal erosion and climate impacts.
Despite their importance, Kenya loses about 0.7% of its mangrove cover annually due to illegal logging, pollution, land encroachment, coastal development, and climate change effects. This degradation threatens fish stocks, seagrass beds, coral reefs, and the wellbeing of thousands of coastal households.
National Efforts and Future Plans
Dr Barasa linked mangrove conservation efforts to Kenya’s broader climate commitments and the 15 Billion Trees Programme, highlighting ecosystem restoration as central to national development goals.
The World Mangrove Day event followed a National Mangrove Stakeholder Forum that reviewed progress under the 2017–2027 National Mangrove Ecosystem Management Plan and initiated dialogue on the next strategic phase. Key discussions focused on improving governance, expanding community-led initiatives, increasing funding and private sector involvement, and enhancing cooperation among government, researchers, and conservation groups.
Recommendations from the forum will inform future policies aimed at protecting mangroves while ensuring coastal communities benefit from healthy ecosystems. Dr Barasa expressed confidence that continued investment and multisector partnerships will bolster biodiversity and advance Kenya’s blue economy.
