We should protect mangrove ecosystem to secure the future

Women plant mangrove seedlings at Mida creek in Kilifi County, on July 28, 2025. [Marion Kithi, Standard] Today, the world marks the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem. Mangroves are unique ecosystems that thrive at the interphase between land and sea, forming unique forests along tropical and subtropical coastlines. In Kenya, these ecosystems play a vital role in protecting shorelines from erosion, supporting rich marine biodiversity, and acting as powerful carbon sinks that help mitigate climate change. Beyond their ecological value, mangroves are lifelines for millions, especially coastal and indigenous communities providing food, income, and cultural heritage. Despite their immense importance, Kenya's mangrove forests are under increasing threat from deforestation, pollution, and unsustainable land use. There are conservation and management efforts from different stakeholders and individuals at varying levels that need coordination. In response, the government established the National Mangrove Management Committee (NMMC) as an advisory unit on the implementation of the National Mangrove Ecosystem Management Plan (NMEMP 2017-2027). The plan aims to ensure the sustainable management, restoration, and long-term protection of these critical coastal ecosystems. The National Mangrove Management Committee (NMMC) was established to provide technical guidance and policy recommendations for the implementation of the National Mangrove Ecosystem Management Plan (NMEMP). As an advisory body to the Chief Conservator of Forests, the NMMC brings together experts from forestry, fisheries, wildlife, climate, and land management sectors. Its mandate is to streamline conservation efforts, promote sustainable use of mangrove resources, and ensure that national policies are informed by science and grounded in community needs. Through its work, the NMMC has become a central unit for coordinating mangrove-related initiatives across government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and local communities. This inclusive approach ensures that conservation strategies are not only technically sound but also socially equitable and economically viable. At the international level, the Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA) is leading a bold movement to halt mangrove loss, double protection, and restore 50 per cent of the world's degraded mangroves by 2030. The GMA supports countries like Kenya by providing access to scientific research, policy tools, financial resources, and capacity-building programs. Through its Kenya Chapter, the alliance works closely with existing structures like the NMMC to align global conservation goals with local realities. One of the most transformative initiatives under this partnership is the Mangrove Breakthrough, a global call to action that aims to safeguard over 15 million hectares of mangroves by 2030, backed by $4 billion in sustainable finance. This initiative is not just about protecting trees; it's about protecting livelihoods, food security, and climate resilience for millions of people living in coastal areas. The Mangrove Breakthrough is aligned with several major international frameworks, including the Paris Agreement, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, and the UN Decades on Ecosystem Restoration and Ocean Science. By integrating these global commitments into national strategies, Kenya is reinforcing its leadership in environmental stewardship and climate action. The collaboration between GMA-Kenya Chapter and NMMC is more than a policy alignment, it's a platform for real change on the ground. Through joint efforts, the partnership is enhancing knowledge exchange, improving policy coherence, and optimizing the use of financial and technical resources. Local communities, often the first to feel the impacts of environmental degradation, are now better equipped to participate in and benefit from conservation efforts. Capacity-building programs are empowering community forest associations, youth groups, and women-led initiatives to take active roles in mangrove restoration. Scientific monitoring is helping track ecosystem health and inform adaptive management. And public awareness campaigns are shifting perceptions, helping more people understand the value of mangroves not just as trees, but as life-sustaining ecosystems. As Kenya continues to invest in the protection and restoration of its mangrove forests, the success of these efforts will depend on sustained collaboration, innovation, and commitment. The partnership between the GMA-Kenya Chapter and the NMMC is a powerful example of how global and local actors can come together to address complex environmental challenges. By safeguarding its mangrove ecosystems, Kenya is not only protecting its coastlines and marine biodiversity but also contributing to global climate goals and securing a more resilient future for its people. The journey ahead will require continued dedication, but the foundation has been laid and the momentum is growing. This year's theme, "Protecting Wetlands for our future" is both timely and symbolic. Mangrove restoration is no longer just an environmental obligation-it is a pathway to climate resilience, food security, and economic empowerment for Kenya's coastal communities. As Kenya celebrates this day, the work of the NMMC offers hope and a model for integrated, inclusive, and science-informed mangrove management. The roots of our mangroves run deep-and so must our commitment to securing their future. Article courtesy of the NMMC and GMA Kenyan Chapter.

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