Diani communities unite to fight loss of Kenya's fragile mangrove forests

Alcohol brewing equipment destroyed in sections of mangrove forest at the Coast (PHOTO: Courtesy)

The beaches along Kenya's coastline came alive with more than the gentle rhythm of waves and the rustle of mangrove leaves in the coastal breeze. They echoed with voices, footsteps and communal devotion as communities marked World Wetlands Day 2026 under the global theme, "Celebrating Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge."

For Pro Green Shapers (PGS), the day was the culmination of months of planning, community engagement and ecological assessment. On February 2, 2026, PGS partnered with Diani Youth Beach Cleaning and Management Services to organise a mangrove planting, restoration and community sensitisation exercise in Makongeni, Diani, Kwale County.