Mangrove Restoration in Lamu, Kenya and the Philippines Case
The mangrove restoration case from the Philippines closely mirrors challenges faced in Lamu County, Kenya, where coastal communities are increasingly affected by climate-related hazards such as coastal erosion, flooding, storm surges and sea-level rise. Climate change has intensified these hazards, making extreme weather events more frequent and damaging for coastal livelihoods.
In Lamu, the most affected areas are low-lying coastal villages and fishing communities that depend heavily on mangrove ecosystems for protection, fishing grounds and building materials. When mangroves are degraded, due to overharvesting, infrastructure development or pollution, communities become more exposed to flooding and shoreline erosion, similar to what was observed in the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan.
The communities most impacted are small-scale fishers, women and low-income households, as their livelihoods are closely tied to healthy marine ecosystems. Loss of mangroves reduces fish stocks and increases vulnerability to storms, threatening both income and food security.
To cope with these challenges, local communities in Lamu have adopted mangrove restoration and conservation efforts, including community-led planting initiatives and sustainable harvesting practices. These nature-based solutions help stabilize shorelines, restore fish habitats, and improve resilience to climate shocks. Women’s groups and youth organizations are often involved in these efforts, contributing to both environmental restoration and livelihood diversification.
Support from government institutions, conservation NGOs and international partners has strengthened these initiatives through training, funding, and policy support. Similar to the Philippines case, the Lamu example shows how community-driven ecosystem restoration can address climate risks while also supporting livelihoods, gender inclusion and long-term resilience.