ACCESS4ALL Group

Mangrove restoration in the Philippines highlights how nature-based solutions can protect coastal communities from storms and flooding. A similar scenario occurs in Kenya, where low-lying coastal areas and river deltas, such as Lamu, Mombasa, and the Tana River Delta, face flooding, erosion, and sea-level rise, risks worsened by climate change. Like the Philippines, communities dependent on fishing and small-scale farming are highly vulnerable because their livelihoods rely on natural resources. In Kenya, local adaptation methods include mangrove planting along the coast, riverbank reforestation, dike construction, and water-harvesting techniques for agriculture. Support from government agencies, such as KMFRI, and NGOs like WWF-Kenya, along with international donors, mirrors the Philippines’ model of community-led restoration supported by external partners. Key similarities include the reliance on ecosystem-based approaches and the role of NGOs and government in supporting adaptation. Differences arise because Kenya also contends with drought and freshwater scarcity, requiring complementary solutions like drought-resistant crops and diversified livelihoods. Overall, mangrove restoration demonstrates how environmental restoration can enhance resilience, protect livelihoods, and link to broader development goals in both countries.