Restoration of Mangrove Ecosystems in Marereni, Kenya: A Sustainable Development Perspective

Introduction

Marereni, located in Kenya’s Kilifi County, is a coastal area characterized by extensive salt mining and vital mangrove ecosystems. These mangroves provide critical coastal protection and support rich biodiversity, which are essential for local livelihoods. However, recent years have seen significant mangrove decline due to pressures from salt works, aquaculture, and human settlement, threatening both environmental and socio-economic stability.

Impact of Mangrove Decline on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Loss of mangroves weakens coastal protection against erosion, storm surges, and rising sea levels.
• SDG 14 (Life Below Water): Disruption of marine ecosystems and depletion of fish stocks reduce biodiversity.
• SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Declining mangroves threaten livelihoods dependent on fisheries and natural resources, exacerbating poverty and food insecurity.

Seatrees Initiative and Community Partnership

Since 2022, the California-based nonprofit Seatrees has partnered with the local Community Based Environmental Conservation (COBEC) and residents of Marereni to restore and protect coastal and marine ecosystems as a natural climate change solution. This initiative aligns with multiple SDGs by promoting ecosystem restoration and community empowerment.

Innovative Biodiversity Credit Program

In 2024, Seatrees introduced a marine biodiversity credit program, offering donors the opportunity to purchase $3 “biodiversity blocks,” each representing the planting of one mangrove tree in Marereni. This program supports:

1. SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Encouraging sustainable funding mechanisms for conservation.
2. SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Fostering collaboration between international donors and local communities.

Community Engagement and Livelihood Enhancement

COBEC and Seatrees work closely with local communities, emphasizing the importance of participation in conservation efforts. Key activities include:

• Establishment and maintenance of mangrove nurseries by community groups.
• Income generation through sales of mangrove saplings and related small businesses such as goat rearing.
• Livelihood enhancement programs including smart agriculture and beekeeping.

This approach supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 5 (Gender Equality), with over 640 community members involved, including a majority of women.

Monitoring and Biodiversity Assessment

Seatrees employs a comprehensive “basket-of-metrics” to monitor restoration success, including:

• Field surveys measuring mangrove species diversity, root density, canopy cover, and juvenile tree density.
• Assessment of crab and snail diversity and abundance.
• Use of satellite imagery in collaboration with Ocean Ledger for large-scale ecosystem analysis.

These efforts contribute to SDG 15 (Life on Land) by ensuring long-term biodiversity uplift and ecosystem health.

Challenges and Solutions

Restoration efforts face challenges such as:

• Hydrological changes causing stagnant water and increased salinity, detrimental to mangrove survival.
• Pollution from underground saline seepage from adjacent salt ponds.
• Illegal mangrove cutting, requiring enhanced community education and enforcement.

To mitigate these, COBEC has implemented the Treeducation Scholarship Fund, providing 300 scholarships over 10 years to support education and the establishment of alternative woodlots, reducing pressure on mangrove forests. This initiative aligns with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and promotes sustainable resource management.

Outcomes and Future Prospects

1. As of early 2025, 190,000 mangrove trees have been planted, with 30,000 new trees planted monthly.
2. Survival rates of planted mangroves are approximately 80%, surpassing global averages.
3. Improved fish catches have been reported, enhancing local incomes and food security.
4. Ongoing monitoring and community involvement aim to ensure sustainability and resilience.

These outcomes contribute directly to achieving multiple SDGs, including climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, poverty alleviation, and sustainable economic development.

Conclusion

The mangrove restoration project in Marereni exemplifies an integrated approach to environmental conservation and community development, strongly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Through innovative financing, community engagement, and rigorous monitoring, the initiative addresses critical challenges posed by climate change and biodiversity loss, fostering sustainable livelihoods and ecosystem resilience for future generations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article discusses mangrove restoration as a natural solution to climate change, emphasizing the role of mangroves in coastal protection against erosion, storm surges, and rising sea levels.
2. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The focus on restoring and protecting coastal and marine ecosystems, improving fish stocks, and maintaining marine biodiversity directly relates to this goal.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Efforts to restore mangrove forests, prevent deforestation, and promote biodiversity conservation align with this goal.
4. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • The article highlights how mangrove restoration supports local livelihoods and income generation, contributing to poverty alleviation in coastal communities.
5. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • By supporting fisheries and improving fish populations, mangrove restoration helps enhance food security for local communities.
6. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The involvement of women in mangrove nurseries and restoration activities, and the income they generate, relates to empowering women economically.
7. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Promoting sustainable livelihoods and reducing pressure on mangrove resources through alternative income sources supports this goal.
8. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The collaboration between Seatrees, COBEC, local communities, and donors exemplifies partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning.
2. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts.
   • Target 14.4: Effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing to restore fish stocks.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.
   • Target 15.2: Promote sustainable management of forests and halt deforestation.
4. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.2: Reduce poverty in all its dimensions through sustainable livelihood opportunities.
5. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: Double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, including fishers.
6. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels.
7. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
8. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.16: Enhance global partnerships for sustainable development.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Indicators for SDG 13 and SDG 14
   • Number of mangrove trees planted and survival rate (~80% survival rate reported).
   • Measures of coastal protection such as reduced erosion and storm surge impacts (implied).
   • Fish population levels and fish catch income (e.g., increase from less than $4 to up to $7.75 per day).
   • Marine biodiversity metrics including crab and snail diversity and abundance.
2. Indicators for SDG 15
   • Mangrove species diversity, root density, canopy cover, juvenile tree density, and biomass measurements from field surveys and satellite imagery.
   • Extent of mangrove forest area restored and maintained.
3. Indicators for SDG 1 and SDG 2
   • Income generated by community members from mangrove nurseries and related businesses.
   • Food security improvements linked to increased fish stocks.
4. Indicators for SDG 5
   • Number and proportion of women participating in restoration groups and income-generating activities.
5. Indicators for SDG 12
   • Reduction in illegal mangrove cutting and sustainable use of alternative woodlots.
6. Indicators for SDG 17
   • Number of partnerships and collaborations between NGOs, communities, and donors.
   • Funds raised through biodiversity credits and donations.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: news.mongabay.com