Mida Mangrove Restoration Project, Kilifi creeks, Kenya
In the coastal county of Kilifi, Kenya, climate change is not a distant threat but a daily reality. Communities here face rising sea levels, increased salinity in groundwater, and more frequent droughts that threaten both fishing and farming livelihoods. To address these challenges, local groups have turned to nature-based, community-led adaptation. One of the most successful examples is the Mida Creek Mangrove Restoration Project, where local Conservation Groups lead the effort to protect their coastline and economy.
Reflection on Design and Implementation
The plan is rooted in the deep cultural and economic connection the Mijikenda people have with the ocean. Mangroves are seen as "nurseries" for the fish that feed the community. By choosing mangrove restoration, the plan honors the traditional value of environmental stewardship while securing the community's primary food source. The plan is rooted in the deep cultural and economic connection the Mijikenda people have with the ocean. Mangroves are seen as "nurseries" for the fish that feed the community. By choosing mangrove restoration, the plan honors the traditional value of environmental stewardship while securing the community's primary food source.
The project directly tackles the challenge of coastal erosion and the loss of biodiversity. By replanting indigenous mangrove species, the community creates a natural buffer against storm surges and provides a habitat for crabs and fish, which had been declining due to illegal logging. It also assessed the economic vulnerability of local women, who traditionally lacked diverse income sources. In response, the plan integrated beekeeping (mangrove honey) and eco-tourism (boardwalks) to provide income when fishing yields are low.
A major conflict existed between local woodcutters (who used mangroves for building and fuel) and conservationists. The plan resolved this through "Participatory Forest Management." It established clear zones where the community could sustainably harvest some resources while strictly protecting "core" restoration areas, turning former woodcutters into "Forest Guards."
In conclusion, this project has significantly boosted adaptive capacity by diversifying the local economy and improving the health of the ecosystem. The community is now better organized through local Community Forest Associations (CFAs), giving them a structured platform to advocate for resources and respond to future climate shocks collectively.