This year’s International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem (IDCME) was marked with renewed energy, unity, and vision along Kenya’s coastline. Anchored around the theme “Restoring Roots, Securing Futures: Mangroves for People, Nature and Resilience,” the celebration unfolded over two powerful days, beginning with the National Mangrove Dialogue in Kilifi and culminating in a vibrant community-led event at Mida Creek.

Setting the Tone: The National Mangrove Dialogue

Held on 25 July 2025, the National Mangrove Dialogue brought together policymakers, scientists, local communities, civil society, and conservation partners in a collaborative forum to reflect on Kenya’s mangrove journey and envision the way forward.

The Dialogue explored a range of issues:

• Progress in scientific research and community-led restoration
• The socio-economic benefits of mangroves, including food security and livelihoods
• The role of mangroves in climate change adaptation and blue carbon strategies
• Financing and policy frameworks needed to scale up conservation action

Notably, the Dialogue reinforced the importance of partnerships and local stewardship in sustaining mangrove ecosystems. Discussions led to a resounding call to action for accelerated restoration, inclusive governance, and strengthened community ownership.

Celebration in Action: IDCME at Mida Creek

26 July 2025 began on a powerful note with the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between members of the Global Mangrove Alliance – Kenya Chapter. This bold step cemented a joint commitment to accelerate mangrove restoration, strengthen conservation, and scale up community engagement along Kenya’s coastline.
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The momentum carried into a vibrant showcase of community spirit and coastal pride.

At Mida Creek, the celebrations unfolded through:

• A lively procession through muddy mangrove trails
• Cultural performances and storytelling celebrating indigenous knowledge
• Interactive exhibitions showcasing innovations in blue carbon and conservation
• The handover of 200 beehives to Community Forest Associations (CFAs), a meaningful investment in nature-based livelihoods and income diversification

The event culminated in the official launch of three game-changing tools for mangrove governance in Kenya:

• National Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration Guidelines – aims to streamline mangrove restoration activities in Kenya by providing best practice approaches that are applicable at both community and institutional levels.
• Mangrove Tree Nursery Manual – aims to empower practitioners and managers of mangroves to produce high-quality, healthy seedlings with improved survival and growth rates upon out-planting
• The Mangrove Technical Order No. 1 of 2025 – provides a standardized framework for the restoration, management, and sustainable utilization of mangrove forests. It is the first national-level technical order specifically focused on mangrove ecosystems.
• Mangrove Harvest Management Plan for Lamu County (2025-2035)– gives guidelines on sustainable harvesting of various pole sizes across all management blocks where commercial harvesting is permitted during the 2025-2035 period.

Presided over by Environment Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa and Forestry Principal Secretary Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, the celebrations reflected strong government backing for wetlands protection and community-led solutions.Forestry Principal Secretary Mr. Gitonga Mugambi, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to wetlands conservation and community-driven approaches.

What This Means for Wetlands

Mangroves are more than just trees, they are powerful ecosystems that:

• Stabilise coastlines and protect against storm surges
• Store vast amounts of carbon, mitigating climate change
• Support biodiversity and serve as nurseries for marine life
• Provide essential resources and income for local communities

The events of IDCME 2025 reflect a growing national momentum toward recognising and investing in the full value of wetlands. The integration of science, policy, and community voices signals a stronger, more united front in the fight to conserve these critical ecosystems.

Looking Ahead

As Kenya charts its course in wetland conservation, the outcomes of IDCME 2025 serve as both a celebration and a springboard. The newly launched tools, community empowerment efforts, and high-level policy attention mark a significant step forward.

Together, we are rooting deeper and reaching further, for people, nature, and climate resilience.