20,000 Mangroves Planted in Tudor Creek to Restore Coastal Ecosystem

More than 20,000 mangrove seedlings have been planted in Tudor Creek in a major restoration initiative aimed at reviving degraded coastal ecosystems and strengthening climate resilience along Kenya’s coastline.

The conservation exercise brought together Kibarani Beach Management Unit (BMU), Jomvu BMU and Equity Bank to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity, a United Nations observance that promotes action to protect biodiversity and restore ecosystems critical to sustainable development.

Equity Bank donated over 20,000 mangrove seedlings to support large-scale rehabilitation efforts, reinforcing community-led conservation initiatives designed to safeguard marine ecosystems and sustain livelihoods that depend on fishing and coastal resources.

Mangrove forests play a key role in climate adaptation and environmental protection. They absorb carbon dioxide, reduce coastal erosion, shield shorelines from storm surges and provide breeding grounds for fish and other marine life that support local economies.

Jacob Akida, Business Growth and Development Manager at Equity Changamwe Branch, said restoring mangroves remains essential in protecting ecosystems and communities from growing climate challenges.

“Environmental conservation is no longer optional. It is a necessity for safeguarding livelihoods, ecosystems and future generations,” said Akida.

He noted that mangroves help preserve marine biodiversity while mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration.

Jane Wanyoike, Regional Coordinator under Equity Group Foundation’s Energy, Environment and Climate Change pillar, said partnerships with local communities are critical to long-term environmental impact.

“Sustainable climate action requires strong collaboration between institutions and local communities,” she said.

Wanyoike added that the exercise forms part of Equity’s wider sustainability agenda, which has supported the planting of 45.5 million trees nationwide to help restore degraded ecosystems and combat climate change.

Kibarani BMU Chairlady Virginia Njue and Jomvu BMU Chairperson Kennedy Otogo welcomed the initiative, saying mangrove restoration will improve fish breeding grounds and strengthen coastal livelihoods.

Mangroves are identified as critical nature-based solution to climate change because their root systems trap sediments, stabilise shorelines and help coastlines recover naturally from environmental pressures.