Mangrove reforestation in the Tana River delta

Context

To expand its nature-based solutions portfolio, Green Future Project launched the Tana River Mangrove Reforestation Project in Kenya’s Tana River delta, a region severely impacted by environmental degradation.

The site is located within the Tana River Delta Ramsar Site, internationally recognized for its unique biodiversity and home to more than 8,000 hectares of mangrove forests. However, Kenya’s mangrove forests are increasingly threatened by illegal deforestation, climate change, and invasive infrastructure. These pressures endanger not only the mangrove forests in Kenya but also the coastal communities that depend on them for their livelihoods. The Tana River Mangrove Reforestation Project is authorized by the Kenya Forest Service and formalized through participation in the Adopt-A-Forest Framework, a program that enables organizations to take part in reforestation efforts.

Gallery

Riforestazione Mangrovie Kenya Tana River 5 3x

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Riforestazione Mangrovie Kenya Tana River 1 3x

Stakeholders and local partners

Who are the key stakeholders?

From the outset, the local community - the Chara Community - has played an active role in the Tana River Mangrove Reforestation Project, shaping the design and planning phases. From the very beginning, we established direct dialogue with community members and the chairman, with whom we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and engaged with other local authorities. This collaboration has also resulted in the full-time employment of ten community members, who now work with us on the ground. Equally fundamental to the development of the project is the work with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), without which we could not be able to operate. It is through their “Adopt A Forest Framework” initiative that we obtained the permits and support needed to be active in the area.

Project Developer:

Objectives and approach

The project aims to restore mangrove forests along Kenya’s Tana River delta.

The goal of the project is to support the natural regeneration of mangrove forests along the Tana river delta, enhancing ecological resilience and sustaining vital ecosystem services. To achieve this, we plant different native species of mangrove trees to increase genetic diversity and improve the plants’ ability to adapt to ongoing environmental changes. The reforestation project also includes targeted interventions in water channels to direct water flow toward higher ground, where mangroves are slowly migrating due to rising sea levels. This approach ensures the survival of the species and makes coastal reforestation more effective.

The first phase of reforestation involves collecting propagules: young mangrove trees ready to develop. This work is carried out manually in previously identified healthy mangrove forests. After collection, the propagules are sorted by species: some are sent to nurseries for controlled growth, while others are planted directly. In the nurseries, the propagules find ideal conditions: small, shaded, well-defined areas, with each plant placed in reusable containers to reduce transplant stress. After 3 to 6 months, depending on the species, the young mangrove trees are planted at reforestation sites. Monitoring is managed by the project team and the Forest Manager, supported by satellite imagery to ensure effective interventions.

Sustainable Development Goals

Supporting this project you’re contributing to the following SDGs:

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