Initiative restores over five acres of mangroves

MKURANGA: A COMPREHENSIVE initiative to safeguard marine resources has managed to restore 5.4 acres of mangroves in the past three years in Mkuranga district, Coast Region.

The mangrove serves as fish breeding grounds, crucial for combating climate change and maintaining marine biodiversity.

The initiative, undertaken by the organisation called Sea Sense, focuses on preserving marine resources that are endangered by human activities along the coast, ensuring the protection of the ecological system for long-term sustainability.

Speaking on Friday at a working meeting with Beach Management Units (BMUs) in Mkuranga District, Sea Sense Project Officer Ronny Mwapili said climate change is causing global impacts, including rising sea levels, increased water temperatures, coral bleaching and fish breeding grounds being compromised due to ocean acidity, threatening ecological sustainability.

“A key focus of our projects is ensuring the restoration of marine areas and ecology,” said Mr Mwapili. He noted that another success includes the establishment of 11 BMUs. Previously, villages lacked effective management, as environmental oversight was solely under local government control, which proved ineffective.

“We have established 11 BMUs registered with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries and created an institutional framework contributing to policy development and the principal legislation from 2019,” he said.

Mr Mwapili added that BMUs aim to tackle unregulated fishing, often carried out by groups engaged in illegal practices in Mkuranga.

Research showed such activities harmed breeding grounds, but BMUs are now restoring ecological balance.

The Sea Sense has also contributed to the National Action Plan for Sea Turtle Management (2024–2029). He urged government, stakeholders and communities to enhance collaboration in managing marine resources.

Mkuranga District Fisheries Officer Lucia Balilemwa commended the efforts, while BMU leaders cited progress despite ongoing challenges.