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Mangroves are short, bushy trees that grow in saltwater along coastlines and in intertidal zones.
Through education systems and employing local communities, people tend to foster a stronger sense of loyalty towards the forest and therefore are more likely to protect it.
Coastal Kenya is one of the least developed regions of the country, with more than 62% living below the poverty line. These communities are dependent on mangrove ecosystems for employment, livelihood, and nutrition.
One example of this is Merceline, a mother of seven and wife to a fish farmer who also works in a mangrove nursery in Kenya. Before joining the nursery, Merciline had little knowledge of the importance of mangroves to the fisheries, or her community. However, since joining our partner, EarthLungs to restore the local mangrove estuary, she has become an enthusiastic supporter. She now recognizes the positive impact it has to the health of the ecosystem and the potential it has to provide a more stable income for her family.
Although Merciline still collects wood for fire, she now uses dead wood and encourages others to do the same to ensure the long-term survivability of the restored mangrove forest. Her commitment to sustainable harvesting practices demonstrates the impact of restoration interventions not only on the environment but also on the attitudes and behaviours of the communities they serve.
Merceline is one of thousands of people who understand the importance of mangroves and protecting the environment through reforestation and protection efforts. Showing how education, and increase of social mobility can be a powerful tool when tree planting.
Biodiversity allows nature to be productive, supporting sustainable fishing which provides additional income streams to the community. The restored forests also help to stabilise coastlines which act as a vital line of defence to protect the land and communities
