By Eric Kanundu
On 24 July 2026, two of Nature Kenya’s Site Support Groups (SSGs) – the Mida Creek Conservation and Awareness Group (MCCAG) and the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Adjacent Dwellers Association (ASFADA) – jointly held an event at Mida Creek to mark World Mangrove Day. The event demonstrated something powerful: when communities see the direct benefits of conservation, they show up.
Over 200 people gathered at the site in Kilifi County to plant 6,000 mangrove seedlings, restoring degraded sections of the vital Mida Creek mangrove ecosystem. The enthusiasm was evident. “What I saw was a new awakening,” said Charo Ngumbao, Chairperson of ASFADA. In past years, similar events attracted 50 to 100 participants. This year, demand far exceeded supply. Some latecomers had to leave once seedlings ran out.
This surge reflects communities’ understanding that mangrove health directly supports their livelihoods. Alex Thoya, Secretary of MCCAG, explained that restoration has created income opportunities through tour guiding and other site-related livelihood activities. Community members now earn between KSh 10,000 and 30,000 per month from these activities.
“Every surviving tree makes a difference,” Thoya said. He added that the community’s commitment to mangrove conservation was an investment in their future.