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Kenya’s coastal communities are increasingly vulnerable to climate change, facing threats such as rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and declining fish stocks. Mangrove forests play a crucial role in enhancing resilience by acting as natural coastal barriers, stabilizing shorelines, absorbing carbon dioxide, and supporting marine biodiversity. However, these ecosystems are under severe pressure due to deforestation, pollution, land conversion, and unsustainable resource extraction. The degradation of mangrove forests not only exacerbates environmental risks but also undermines the socio-economic stability of coastal populations.
Despite efforts by government and conservation organizations, Kenya has lost a significant portion of its mangrove forests due to human activities and climate change. While restoration initiatives exist, there is limited research on how community-led mangrove restoration impacts socio-economic resilience and environmental sustainability.
Mangrove restoration contributes significantly to global sustainability efforts by aligning with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It directly supports SDG 13 (Climate Action) by mitigating climate change impacts through carbon sequestration and storm protection, SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by conserving marine biodiversity and sustaining fisheries, which are crucial for food security and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by preventing land degradation and fostering biodiversity conservation. From an economic perspective, mangrove-based activities such as ecotourism, sustainable forestry, and fisheries create employment and support SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by providing livelihood opportunities for local communities.
This research evaluates ongoing restoration initiatives, the role of local communities in conservation, and the effectiveness of legal frameworks, including Kenya’s Blue Economy Strategy and Climate Change Act.
Findings suggest that integrating traditional knowledge, strengthening governance, and increasing financial investment are essential for successful mangrove restoration. This study provides policy recommendations for enhancing community-led conservation, promoting nature-based solutions, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Kenya’s coastal ecosystems, thereby advancing national and global climate resilience goals.
