Sustaining Wetlands: Kenya’s Pathway to Biodiversity Conservation
Organisation
Country
Kenya
Description
Wetlands International continues to influence policies and actions that enhance management of wetlands and biodiversity in Kenya. Particularly, Wetlands International is supporting the national process on the revision of NBSAP targets to align with the KMGBF targets to integrate wetlands conservation. The targets have been finalised awaiting validation. Other actions include the development of the standardised biodiversity framework and conducting wetlands inventory to mainstream within county special plans with a focus on mangrove ecosystems.
While progress has been made from a policy perspective, challenges persist, including resource constraints and competing land-use pressures. To address these challenges and implement the NBSAP’s wetland conservation goals, the following actions are being implemented.
In Lamu County, Wetlands International collaborates with the County Government and wetland adjacent communities to implement integrated pathways for wetland conservation and land-use planning: These include:
Conducting research and sharing knowledge on the value of mangrove wetlands and interconnectedness with other ecosystems. This has helped inform the development and implementation of effective conservation and management strategies to address key drivers of loss and degradation. For instance, Lamu County’s spatial plan has delineated zones for different land uses, including protected areas, buffer zones, and development areas, ensuring that wetlands are afforded appropriate levels of protection.
Initiatives with a focus on strengthening the resilience of coastal communities and wetlands to changing weather patterns. This includes restoring and conserving mangrove ecosystems through active community involvement using ecological mangrove restoration approaches.
Capacity strengthening programmes for local communities and government officials including establishing community-led mangrove monitoring and management groups to oversee restoration efforts have been initiated.
STRP Output
Additional information
- Integrated Coastal Zone Management Policy (2009)
- Kenya National Spatial Plan (2015 – 2045)
- Lamu County Spatial Plan (2016 - 2026)
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