admin | July 30, 2025
News Brief
In Marereni, Kenya, communities are restoring mangroves to protect coastlines and boost livelihoods. With support from U.S.-based nonprofit Seatrees and local group COBEC, residents have planted 190,000 mangroves since 2022 through a $3 “biodiversity block” initiative. The project has created income for over 600 locals, especially women, who run mangrove nurseries. Fish stocks have improved, but threats like illegal cutting and salt pan pollution persist. Leaders say education, enforcement, and sustainable alternatives are key to long-term success in this community-led conservation effort.
In Marereni, a coastal village in Kenya’s Kilifi County, the tide is slowly turning for mangroves — and for the people who depend on them.
Located in the heart of Kenya’s salt belt, Marereni is best known for its large salt mining operations. But just beyond the salt pans lies a rich ecosystem of mangrove forests. These trees act as buffers against storm surges and rising seas while offering vital breeding grounds for fish and crustaceans.
In recent years, however, Marereni’s mangroves have been disappearing due to saltworks expansion, aquaculture, and settlement. The loss has been devastating for local fishers and families who rely on mangroves for their livelihoods.
Since 2022, California-based nonprofit Seatrees has partnered with local group COBEC to restore 600 hectares of degraded mangroves in Marereni. Through the innovative “biodiversity block” initiative, supporters can buy a $3 donation to plant one mangrove tree. So far, 190,000 trees have been planted — with a goal of 300,000.
This initiative has created jobs and income, particularly for women, who run mangrove nurseries and plant seedlings. Zena Hamisi, who leads the Neema Muslim Women Group, says, “COBEC has supported us to the point where we now earn income.” Each seedling sells for 20 Kenyan shillings, with profits reinvested into community projects like maize shelling.
Fisherman Emmanuel Gona says catches have improved since restoration began: “We used to catch fish worth less than 500 shillings a day. Now we make up to 1,000.”
But challenges remain. Illegal tree cutting, pollution from salt pans, and changes in tidal flow threaten young mangroves. Community members say more awareness and enforcement are needed.
COBEC supports over 30 local groups involving 640 members. It also runs scholarships and promotes alternative livelihoods like beekeeping to reduce reliance on mangrove cutting.
According to Seatrees’ science lead, Orion McCarthy, success depends on long-term monitoring. He says, “We assess biodiversity each year and replant areas where survival is low.”
Despite the obstacles, Marereni’s community remains hopeful. Mrs. Hamisi says, “Restoring mangroves means restoring our way of life. But we must think beyond planting — to sustainable projects that secure our future.”
This community-led effort is a reminder that conservation and livelihoods can grow hand-in-hand — with the right support, strong partnerships, and local leadership.
Photo: Dama Karisa, a resident of Mida, notes that climate change also impacts the survival of juvenile mangroves. Image by Juliet Ojwang
This story is based on an article written by Juliet Akoth Ojwang for Mongabay, titled “A Kenya marine biodiversity credit program restores mangroves — and livelihoods.” To read the full story, go to: https://news.mongabay.com/2025/07/a-kenya-marine-biodiversity-credit-program-restores-mangroves-and-livelihoods/