Community Mangrove Conservation

Mangroves are nothing short of natural superheroes. These coastal forests are among the most important ecosystems on Earth, quietly protecting our planet in powerful ways. They store vast amounts of carbon, shelter young marine life, shield shorelines from storms, and support millions of people with food and income. Yet despite all they do, mangroves have been under threat for decades — cleared for development, overharvested, and often overlooked. In fact, the global footprint of mangrove forests has shrunk dramatically over the past 35 years, mostly due to human activity.

But there’s good news: around the world, people are turning the tide. Restoration and sustainable management of mangroves are helping to revive these vital habitats — and nowhere is this more inspiring than in the Lamu Archipelago, off Kenya’s northern coast. Lamu is home to a staggering 70% of Kenya’s mangrove forests. For centuries, local communities have relied on these trees — for building materials, firewood, food and even medicine. But as pressure on these resources intensified in recent decades, the forests began to suffer. Recognizing the urgent need for action, the Lamu Marine Conservation Trust (LaMCoT) partnered with the Kenya Forest Service in 2003 to begin protecting key mangrove areas. Then, in 2008, they launched their first replanting initiative with the Kikozi community group — and that single act sparked a movement.

One by one, other communities joined in. Villagers banded together, forming local groups dedicated to protecting and replanting mangroves. With LaMCoT's ongoing support and awareness-raising efforts, mangrove restoration became more than an environmental initiative — it became a source of pride and purpose.

Education plays a powerful role in this transformation. As part of LaMCoT’s Environmental Kindness Clubs, students visit mangrove restoration sites to learn about the importance of these ecosystems firsthand. Their enthusiasm is infectious — and it's spreading across generations. We created a short film capturing these efforts for the Tusk PACE (Pan African Conservation Education) Program, showcasing grassroots solutions to shared environmental challenges. The film is part of a wider resource set that includes books, activities, and tools to support learning and action.

Today, the restored mangrove forests are flourishing — and so are the communities protecting them. Locals are beginning to explore exciting new opportunities through eco-tourism and carbon credit schemes, turning conservation into a source of sustainable income. As their forests grow taller and stronger, so does their resilience and hope for the future.

What’s happening in Lamu is a powerful example of how local action can lead to global impact. As new research brings better tools for monitoring and restoring mangroves, the Lamu story stands as a beacon of what’s possible when communities lead the way. It’s a story of growth, healing, and connection — and we hope it inspires others across Africa and beyond to protect their own coastal blue forests.

Watch our film to learn more!