Enhancing sustainable utilization of mangrove resources in Gazi village, coast province, Kenya through a participatory approach (KEN/SGP/OP4/RAF/08/03)

Project Details & Results

The proposed demonstration project aims at contributing towards the enhancement of the productivity, stability as well as the functional integrity of mangrove ecosystems and associated fisheries production in Kenya through knowledge sharing of the best land and resource use practices. The project also aims at the implementation of demonstrative activities for reduction of pressure on in-shore fisheries and destructive land based activities on mangroves.

The site selected for this demonstration project is Gazi bay, located in Msambweni district in the south coast of Kenya (4o25’S and 39o50’E). The Government of Kenya identifies the seascape between Chale Island and Gazi as a marine protected area. The dense human population in Msambweni district has caused the degradation of mangroves and associated terrestrial and marine ecosystems; and Gazi bay is one of the most affected areas. Current estimates indicate that 70% of the mangroves in Gazi have been degraded, particularly through excessive removal of wood products (Dahdouh-Guebas et al., 2004).

The proposed project will contribute to an increased awareness of the destructive practices and to promotion of sustainable approaches to mangrove management in Gazi bay, which if applied countrywide would result in an improvement of the supporting and regulatory services of the mangroves. This would in turn result in an increased availability of mangrove resources and in the maintenance of biodiversity, and ultimately, would contribute to the well-being of the coastal communities. Therefore, this project addresses several themes of GEF/SGP categories, including; climate change mitigation and adaptations, biodiversity conservation, and land degradation. In addition, the project will enhance mangrove conservation capacity among the community as well as establish demonstration plots for reforestation and aquaculture. Through implementation of farm forestry and ecotourism activities this project will be addressing a cross-cutting theme on conservation of coastal forests focusing on livelihood initiatives. The total budget for the proposed project is KShs 3,096,210 (USD 47634) which will be used for the implementation of the activities for a period of two years.