A new threat to mangrove forests in Eastern Africa is the projected sea-level rise due to climate change.

According to Kenya Forest Service, climate change impacts are associated with increased flooding and sedimentation which increase in sea level that could submerge mangroves.

The Kenya Forest Services (KFS) officer in charge of Lamu District, Mr Joseph Maina, says: "Evidence of death of mangroves due to climate change impacts has been observed in several areas along the coastline such as Gazi Bay, Mwache creek, Ngomeni, Tana River and Dodori creek," he says.

A mangrove-forested shoreline in Lamu District. Photos: Marufu Mohammed/Standard

Other threats include over-harvesting for firewood, charcoal, building timber, poles and traditional medicines.

"In Kenya, loss of mangroves in about the last 100 years is thought to amount to 70 per cent of depletion. However, estimates of the area of mangroves in Kenya was reported to have remained almost constant over the past 20 years," Maina adds.

The official adds that there are potential threats due to oil pollution and oil spills.

Between 1983 and 1993 Mombasa port and surrounding shores experienced a 391,680 tonne oil spill that affected mangroves of all around Port Ritz and Makupa creeks.

He says salt extraction has also led to loss of mangroves especially in Malindi District.

"Currently there are more than six salt works in Ngomeni, in Malindi, where 71,400 tonnes of salt extraction is carried out per year. Environmental impacts associated with salt extraction include hyper salinity in areas close to mangroves leading to their death," he adds.

Mr Maina says poor land use practices in the hinterland has increased sediment loads into mangrove forests.