AKF to restore 226 hectares of mangroves in Kenya’s Gazi Bay

The Aga Khan Foundation is delighted to announce plans to restore 226 hectares of degraded mangrove forests in Gazi Bay, Kwale County, Kenya.

The three-year project, undertaken in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), is designed to rehabilitate vital ecosystems while fostering sustainable livelihoods. It aligns with AKF’s commitment to integrating environmental restoration with community development, ensuring long-term ecological health and economic stability and is part of AKF’s broader effort to strengthen climate resilience and support local communities.

The initiative reflects the vision of His Highness the Aga Khan V, who has emphasised the need for sustainable development that empowers communities to take charge of their future. Speaking at the Kusi Ideas Festival in 2022, he highlighted the importance of resilience in the face of environmental challenges. “Development is not about charity; it is about creating opportunities for individuals and communities to take ownership of their future,” he said.

Riaz Nathu, CEO of AKF Kenya, underscored the significance of the Gazi Bay project: “Through this initiative, we aim to demonstrate how environmental restoration can drive both ecological and socio-economic benefits. By creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, we are not only improving well-being but also strengthening climate resilience, ensuring that people and nature thrive together.”

Beyond restoring mangrove forests, the initiative seeks to enhance food security through climate-resilient agriculture, improve access to clean water and nutrition, and generate green jobs, particularly for young people and women. Eco-tourism and sustainable farming practices will also contribute to long-term economic stability in the region.

The project forms part of the Indian Ocean Coastal Regeneration Initiative (IOCRI), a global programme by AKF spanning six coastal countries: Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar, India, and Pakistan. IOCRI focuses on rehabilitating critical ecosystems while equipping coastal communities with the tools to adapt to climate change.

As a key component of AKF’s wider climate resilience strategy, the Gazi Bay project is expected to serve as a model for community-led environmental restoration efforts. The initiative aims to ensure that coastal communities remain resilient and economically viable in the face of climate challenges.