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Mangroves bring nature back - 6th May 2022

The banks of the Sabaki River in Kenya are experiencing exciting changes. Local volunteers are helping to save the fragile ecosystem by planting mangrove trees.

There used to be plenty of clean water, plants and fish for local villagers. However, the population has expanded, which makes it more challenging for the precious ecosystem to survive. The impact on the environment concerns experts.

David Obura: "So, the point at which we've got to now – in, globally, in Africa, in Kenya, or just looking at the Kenyan coast, is that population density is very high already. And the amount of resources that have already been extracted – by fishing, by clearing vegetation, by cutting wood for, for charcoal or for construction and things like that – is we already at a ecosystem or environmental deficit right now. So, we can only benefit ourselves and nature by restoring ecosystems right now."

Ecosystems along rivers are a vital resource and a defence against climate change. They help to filter pollution from the water and air. They provide villages with protection against rising water levels and extreme weather.

As these precious resources are being overused, conservationists are teaching villagers near the Sabaki River about protecting local ecosystems. They need to show villagers that they can restore the damaged wildlife and still make a living.

This change is slowly bringing the area back to life. This provides new income for local people, who can work as guides.

The project has already seen tens of thousands of new mangrove trees planted. The new mangroves are a vital part of the exciting future of the Sabaki River.

Francis Kagema: "So, the world is changing a lot. But for the mangroves, the ability to bounce back and come back and colonise the areas they used to be in the past is quite encouraging."