Sustainable Management of Mangrove Resources through a Participatory Approach – Kenya.

Abstract

The project is located on Gazi Bay, Msambweni District, on the south coast of Kenya. On the landward side, Gazi Bay is bordered by 615 ha of mangrove forests. As in many sites along the Kenyan coast, mangrove deforestation has been widespread in Gazi. The loss of mangroves has affected the local economy as indicated by shortages of building poles and firewood, decreased fishery resources and increased coastal erosion. The main thrust of the current project is to conserve mangroves and thereby provide tangible benefits to the village communities engaged in the conservation. Project activities include mangrove reforestation, ecotourism activities, beekeeping and integrated aquaculture. To date, 100 ha of degraded mangrove areas in Gazi have been reforested with suitable species. A mangrove boardwalk about 350 metres long, together with fishponds for milkfish farming, has also been constructed for ecotourism.