Kenya's marine ecosystems serve as the backbone of the coastal communities' livelihoods, sustaining over a million people via marine-based small-scale fisheries, mangrove-related products, and ecotourism. Nevertheless, these ecosystems' resilience and their ability to deliver essential services to local communities are being challenged by the rising tide of localised human-induced influences causing pollution, nutrient over-enrichment, and unsustainable fishing practices, along with the harmful impacts of increasing temperatures and ocean levels. The country's mangrove ecosystems are notably under growing threat from both anthropogenic and natural causes, with destruction considerably greater in urbanised zones. Dominant threats involve timber over-exploitation, and an excessive reliance on mangroves as a fuel source due to the unavailability of budget-friendly alternatives. Land-based pollution sources and the repurposing of mangrove regions for diverse land uses, such as salt extraction, habitation, or port infrastructures, are also contributing factors to the dwindling state of mangroves in Kenya. Adopting an ecosystem management approach that involves both the restoration and protection of mangrove forests can establish critical breeding zones and habitats for marine life. This, in turn, could lead to the enhancement of fish populations, thereby bolstering the livelihoods of fishers and facilitating the delivery of other ecosystem services. These mangroves hold potential to offer climate mitigation, safeguard coastal communities against severe weather conditions, while simultaneously amplifying the climate resilience of marine ecosystems, including breeding habitats for diverse marine species. Spanning at least 8,179 ha, Kilifi County's mangrove region faces a 40% degradation rate (3,271 ha). With 4,908 ha left, urgent protection is vital. Kilifi’s mangrove ecosystems includes: Ngomeni, Ungwana, Mida Creek, Kilifi Creek, Takaungu, and, Mtwapa Creek, Our pilot area, Mida Creek, showcases rich biodiversity with various species of seagrasses, seaweeds, and mangroves. Collaborating with RegisTree, a BFA Global awardee, as project proponents with a concentrated focus on grassroots-level community engagements, ensuring a well-rounded approach to project implementation. With a provisional interest from the Kilifi County Government, the overall goal is to have the entire Kilifi Mangrove Ecosystem as the project boundary registered under Verra using their VM0007 REDD+ Methodology Framework (REDD+MF) (v1.7).
The project yields both direct and indirect advantages to the participating communities. The funds raised from the sale of carbon credits are utilised to bolster community development projects in areas such as education, health, water and sanitation, and environmental conservation. The project will produce benefits that extend beyond carbon offsetting, including an increase in fishery and other biodiversity, protection of the shoreline, and the promotion of livelihood projects. These projects will encompass beekeeping, mangrove ecotourism, and other nature-based livelihoods. Moreover, the initiative is committed to directly offering employment to a significant number of local residents while also acting as a catalyst, facilitating job opportunities for an estimated additional 1,000 individuals. These opportunities will emerge through various project undertakings, including the establishment of nurseries, afforestation efforts, diligent forest surveillance, and backing associated businesses. The project is an embodiment of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ethos. It resonates profoundly with SDG13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). Concurrently, it tangentially aligns with SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). It is also in tandem with the Aichi Biodiversity Target 15, emphasising ecosystem resilience and the diversity of species. It is imperative to underscore that the bedrock of our approach is the democratic principle of local control over project revenue. Thus, detailing the precise allocation of income within this PIN would be incongruous with our foundational philosophy.