Mangroves are more than trees along the shoreline. They are vital coastal ecosystems that protect communities from erosion, provide habitats for marine biodiversity, store carbon, and support the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on coastal resources.
Recognising their critical role in strengthening coastal resilience, Women in Water and Natural Resources Conservation (WWANC), in partnership with Women’s Earth Alliance (WEA), led a community mangrove restoration activity at Langoni, Takaungu Beach in Kilifi County, resulting in the planting of 2,500 mangrove seedlings.
The activity brought together 98 community members—83 women and 15 men—alongside representatives from TETEA Jamii, Langoni CBOs, Kenya Forest Service, the Community Forest Association (CFA), the Beach Management Unit, and local leadership. Their participation reflected a shared commitment to restoring degraded coastal ecosystems and strengthening community-led conservation.
The initiative was spearheaded by Teresa Muthoni, WEA Africa Programs Manager, and Rose Wamalwa, WEA East Africa Regional Director, highlighting the important role of women in advancing locally led environmental action.
Beyond restoring mangrove cover, the activity created an opportunity for communities to take collective action to protect their coastline and strengthen their resilience to climate change. It also demonstrated how women can play a central role in environmental stewardship, from restoration and conservation to community mobilisation and decision-making.
Through initiatives such as this, WWANC and its partners continue to support locally led solutions that connect ecosystem restoration with community resilience and sustainable livelihoods.
The planting of 2,500 mangrove seedlings is one step in a longer journey of restoring and protecting Takaungu’s coastal ecosystem—but it is also a reminder that when communities, particularly women, are equipped and supported to lead, meaningful environmental change can take root.
When Women Thrive, The Earth Thrives.
https://youtu.be/U3P4gcJDdRY
