Mangroves bring nature back - 6th May 2022

Along the banks of the Sabaki River in Kenya, volunteers are planting mangrove trees. They're working together to restore the valuable ecosystem and bring the estuary back to life.

For generations, villagers living near the Sabaki estuary relied on a plentiful supply of lumber, firewood, fresh water, seafood and farming land. But population density and overexploitation has had a devastating impact. Ecologist David Obura explains:

David Obura: "So, the point at which we've got to now - in, globally, in Africa, in Kenya, or just looking at the Kenyan coast, is that population density is very high already. And the amount of resources that have already been extracted - by fishing, by clearing vegetation, by cutting wood for, for charcoal or for construction and things like that - is we already at a ecosystem or environmental deficit right now. So, we can only benefit ourselves and nature by restoring ecosystems right now."

When properly protected and maintained, the coastal wetland is a resilient ally in the face of climate change. It does the job by storing carbon, filtering water pollution and protecting against extreme weather and rising sea levels. But convincing the villagers of the area that there is value for them in conservation has required careful diplomacy. They have needed to see that there is an economic benefit to rehabilitating nature.

In one project fishermen are taught about sustainable fishing, meaning fish can thrive while locals can eat. Some locals are protecting forests from illegal logging traders, while others act as guides for visitors wishing to experience the restored wildlife.

Tens of thousands of mangrove trees have already been planted, and the vital work continues for the future of the Sabaki River.

Francis Kagema: "So, the world is changing a lot. But for the mangroves, the ability to bounce back and come back and colonise the areas they used to be in the past is quite encouraging."