Along Kenya’s southern coast, communities are rising to defend a fragile lifeline — the mangrove forests and coral reefs that support both marine biodiversity and local livelihoods. Here, the health of the ocean is deeply intertwined with the well-being of people who fish, farm seaweed, and rely on the sea’s rhythms for survival.
This story follows community-led efforts supported by the Blue Nature Alliance and Conservation International, where residents are reclaiming stewardship of their coastline. Through sustainable fishing practices, seaweed farming by women’s groups, and youth-led reef restoration, these guardians are transforming pressure into possibility — offering a model for marine conservation rooted in local knowledge.
Yet challenges remain. Coastal development threatens mangroves. Climate change erodes fisheries. And illegal fishing continues offshore. Still, these communities persist — not just protecting nature, but actively regenerating it.
This is a story of resilience — where conservation isn’t imposed from outside, but lived from within. Where the tides don’t just shape the coast, but the courage of those who call it home.
