Enhancing Resilience of marine and coastal ecosystems and Livelihoods

The South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC) and the Nairobi Convention held a workshop in Mombasa in May 2024 to map out all key stakeholders active on coastal and marine environment and fisheries in the coastal counties of Lamu and Kwale in Kenya (see map below). The mapping was necessary to inform stakeholders in Lamu and Kwale Counties of an ambitious partnership project between the SWIOFC and the Nairobi Convention dubbed “SWIOFC– Nairobi Convention Partnership for Resilient Marine and Coastal Ecosystems and Livelihoods.”  To share on synergies, secure collaboration, and cooperation in the project’s implementation over the period 2023-2027.  

At the end of the workshop, stakeholders with similar project objectives but working independently gained a deeper understanding of the SWIOFC-Nairobi Convention Partnership for Resilient Marine and Coastal Ecosystems and Livelihoods project. The workshop fostered collaboration between government agencies, community-based organizations, NGOs, and local communities. Key conservation priorities, such as sustainable fisheries management and habitat protection, were identified. Stakeholders also pledged to integrate sustainable livelihood opportunities, including eco-tourism and small-scale businesses, while advocating for supportive policies and regulations. The workshop emphasized the importance of community involvement and engagement with policymakers for successful conservation efforts.  

The Regional Project Management Unit of the Partnership Project informed that the next steps would involve developing detailed work plans and budgets for implementation by partners selected, signing project documents with the Government of Kenya, nominating official project focal points for the environment and for fisheries, and conducting first National Project Steering Committee meeting. Contracts with implementing partners will follow and need to be expedited. 

Environmental degradation of the coastal and marine environment in Kenya and over-exploitation of natural resources are emerging challenges coastal communities. For example, between the 1985 and 2009, the Kenyan coastline lost approximately 20 percent of its pristine mangrove cover; and the remaining mangrove forests continue to show signs of degradation. Despite its economic and social importance, the fisheries sector is faced with several challenges. These include environmental degradation, negative impacts of climate change, uncoordinated development approaches, low investment, over-exploitation and under-utilization of some fisheries resources, low technology uptake in aquaculture and fishing, weak linkages between research, management and private players, and poor market access. 

The partnership project, supported by Sweden through a multi-country contribution, will enhance livelihoods resilience of coastal fishing communities in Lamu and Kwale through healthy coastal and marine ecosystems, promote capacity development in ocean governance and co-management of the coastal and marine resources, including fisheries, and increase effective coordination between fisheries and environmental institutions in Kenya. Participants included government institutions, NGOs, and community-based organizations in the fisheries and environmental sectors. Besides Kenya, the project is being implemented in Tanzania and Mozambique.

The project emphasizes the sharing of best practices and lessons learned with other member countries of the Nairobi Convention and SWIOFC. The project also organized a workshop to bring together stakeholders, government officials, and the project  management unit. The workshop aimed to present the project to stakeholders, gather information on relevant projects, and promote coordination and collaboration. 

On 12 May 2022, the first virtual consultative meeting of the partnership project in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique was held amongst representatives from fisheries and environmental sectors. Kenya was represented by the State Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and the Blue Economy and the National Environment Management Authority. The representatives confirmed that the project was well aligned with government ambitions and would be highly relevant for tackling the prevalent gaps in the implementation of national policies and strategies in support of sustainable blue economy and in addressing environmental challenges in the marine and coastal environment. The launch of the SWIOFC-Nairobi Convention Partnership Project for Resilient Marine and Coastal Ecosystems and Livelihoods” was held in Maputo, on 13-14 February 2023. The launch was attended by representatives from the SWIOFC and Nairobi Convention Bureaus, UNEP, FAO, the Swedish Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and representatives from the Swedish Embassies in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique. The meeting was also attended by representatives of Government ministries in charge of Fisheries and Environmental sectors in Kenya, Mozambique and Tanzania including the project coordination team based at SWIOFC in Maputo, and at the Nairobi Convention in Nairobi.  

The stakeholder mapping workshop followed a week-long scoping mission in four coastal counties in February 2024 to identify potential project sites. The selected sites in Lamu and Kwale were informed by factors that included socio-economic aspects; key habitats, target fishing species and environmental challenges; fisheries and environmental management; organizational development and community participation; and partnerships and intersectoral coordination.   

From 15-19 April 2024, an additional baseline assessment of the selected sites was conducted to identify key environmental and fisheries issues, their threats and vulnerabilities. The baseline survey factored the socio-economic dynamics of the coastal communities in terms of livelihood activities, income sources, and dependency on marine resources to inform in the development and implementation of management plans, conservation initiatives, and livelihood enhancement programs. The survey was also necessary to buttress the project work plan and activities. 

On 12 May 2022, the first virtual consultative meeting of the partnership project in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique was held amongst representatives from fisheries and environmental sectors. Kenya was represented by the State Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and the Blue Economy and the National Environment Management Authority. The representatives confirmed that the project was well aligned with government ambitions and would be highly relevant for tackling the prevalent gaps in the implementation of national policies and strategies in support of sustainable blue economy and in addressing environmental challenges in the marine and coastal environment. The launch of the SWIOFC-Nairobi Convention Partnership Project for Resilient Marine and Coastal Ecosystems and Livelihoods” was held in Maputo, on 13-14 February 2023. The launch was attended by representatives from the SWIOFC and Nairobi Convention Bureaus, UNEP, FAO, the Swedish Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and representatives from the Swedish Embassies in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique. The meeting was also attended by representatives of Government ministries in charge of Fisheries and Environmental sectors in Kenya, Mozambique and Tanzania including the project coordination team based at SWIOFC in Maputo, and at the Nairobi Convention in Nairobi.  

The stakeholder mapping workshop followed a week-long scoping mission in four coastal counties in February 2024 to identify potential project sites. The selected sites in Lamu and Kwale were informed by factors that included socio-economic aspects; key habitats, target fishing species and environmental challenges; fisheries and environmental management; organizational development and community participation; and partnerships and intersectoral coordination.   

From 15-19 April 2024, an additional baseline assessment of the selected sites was conducted to identify key environmental and fisheries issues, their threats and vulnerabilities. The baseline survey factored the socio-economic dynamics of the coastal communities in terms of livelihood activities, income sources, and dependency on marine resources to inform in the development and implementation of management plans, conservation initiatives, and livelihood enhancement programs. The survey was also necessary to buttress the project work plan and activities.