The return of ecosystem goods and services in replanted mangrove forests - Perspectives from two local communities in Gazi Bay, Kenya.

Abstract

This study focuses on the level of retum of ecosystem goods and services in the planted mangrove forest from a local community perspective. A total of 48 semi-structured interviews were conducted in the two rural villages of Gazi and Makongeni, about 50 km south of Mombasa, Kenya, investigating the local communities' views and perceptions on the plantations of mangrove forest in the area. The species of mangrove planted varied but the majority of plantations were approximately ten years old, while some had been planted more recently. Results show that respondents do not consider the plantations to be equivalent to natural mangrove in terms ofthe goods and services provided. There are differences in the number and in the quality ofproducts that are produced in the two areas. The plantation cannot yet provide the locals with the same amount ofproducts as the natural mangrove can. However, the people do not perceive a great difference when it comes to which services the two areas can provide. Most people think that the plantations are as good as the natural mangrove in protecting against floods and storms, preventing erosion, attracting tourism and providing a link to other ecosystems. However, they acknowledge that the plantations cannot provide the same quality in habitat and nursery ground as the natural mangrove can. Some environmental characteristics are still lacking in the plantations and as a result products cannot be produced there to the same extent as in the natural mangroves.