By Monica Nashon
Communities, youth groups, environmental organizations and government officials convened in Makongeni, Kwale County, to observe World Wetlands Day by planting mangroves to rehabilitate coastal environments and enhance community livelihoods.
The initiative involved planting 1,800 mangrove saplings along deteriorated coastal stretches, uniting local residents, conservation entities and governmental departments in a collaborative endeavor to revive important wetland zones and increase environmental consciousness.
The effort was spearheaded by Edith Charo, County Director of Environment at the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), who highlighted the significance of mangroves in conservation work.
“Today we honor World Wetlands Day by planting mangroves alongside our partners and community members. These 1,800 saplings will contribute significantly to safeguarding our environment,” she stated.
Charo emphasized that wetlands are fundamental for agricultural practices and biodiversity, supporting endeavors like rice cultivation while offering habitats for varied plant and animal life.
She further explained that mangroves serve a critical function in climate change adaptation through their capacity to absorb carbon dioxide.
Mangroves, typically situated along Kenya’s shoreline in Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu and Tana River counties, function as natural defenses against storms, powerful waves and coastal degradation.
They represent valuable “blue carbon ecosystems,” possessing the ability to store substantially more carbon compared to numerous land-based forests.
In addition to their ecological advantages, mangroves support oceanic ecosystems by creating reproductive habitats for fish and crabsresources that numerous coastal communities rely on for sustenance and economic activities.
Nevertheless, these habitats face escalating dangers from deforestation, contamination and seaside construction.
Addressing the gathering, speakers stressed the importance of community participation.
Diana Ngalizi of Proglee Shapers Environmental Organization urged for a reinvigorated cultural dedication to preservation, while young leaders pointed out potential opportunities including beekeeping and carbon credit initiatives.