Approximately 5% (about 735,000 ha) of the world’s mangroves are found in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region, with nearly 60% (about 440,000 ha) concentrated in Kenya, Madagascar, and Tanzania. These ecosystems are vital for coastal livelihoods, biodiversity, and climate resilience. However, mangrove cover in the region declined by approximately 4.5% between 1996 and 2020, posing significant risks to the millions of people who depend on these ecosystems. The annual loss rate in the three countries is estimated at 0.1% to 0.3%, driven by factors such as weak enforcement of regulations, poverty, limited livelihood alternatives, and increasing anthropogenic pressures, including agricultural expansion, aquaculture, salt production, and unsustainable fishing practices.
The project aims to address the drivers of mangrove degradation and loss by promoting sustainable management and strengthening community resilience. It focuses on conducting comprehensive mangrove resource assessments and developing collaborative management plans to guide sustainable utilization. The project also seeks to carry out socio-economic surveys to identify viable and sustainable livelihood options, while promoting alternative income-generating activities that reduce pressure on mangrove ecosystems. In addition, it aims to build the capacity of local communities through targeted training and provision of tools for effective mangrove management. Ultimately, the project strives to create enabling conditions that support sustainable livelihoods, enhance food security, and improve resilience to climate change impacts in coastal communities.
The project is currently focused on laying the foundation for sustainable mangrove management through assessments, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building initiatives. Efforts are underway to better understand the ecological status of mangroves and the socio-economic factors driving their degradation. At the same time, community engagement activities are being strengthened to ensure local participation in conservation and management efforts. These steps are critical in establishing long-term, community-driven approaches that will contribute to the protection and sustainable use of mangrove ecosystems in the WIO region.