Lamu County, home to 60% of Kenya’s mangroves, plays a vital role in the country’s economy, contributing nearly USD 85 million annually and supporting 800,000 artisanal fishermen. However, balancing sustainable harvesting with combating illegal mangrove degradation has been a persistent challenge.
To address this, the Global Mangrove Watch (GMW) platform now provides near real-time, high-resolution alerts on mangrove disturbances. Combined with the Kenya Forest Service’s (KFS) national forest alert system, GMW enhances verification processes, reducing patrol costs and enabling more efficient monitoring of illegal activities.
With Wetlands International’s support, KFS has also established Lamu’s first-ever alert command center. This collaboration not only strengthens conservation efforts but also safeguards the livelihoods of local communities reliant on these vital ecosystems.
KFS officials after the GMW training facilitated by Wetlands International in Lamu, Kenya.