Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA)-Kenya Chapter seals an innovative partnership to advance mangrove actions in Kenya

The GMA is a platform that brings together technical experts, civil society organisations, governments, local communities, businesses, funding agencies, and foundations to accelerate a comprehensive and coordinated approach to the management of mangrove ecosystems with the overall goal of accelerating and upscaling mangrove conservation and management around the world. It has three ambitious goals of halting mangrove loss, restoring half of the degraded and restorable ecosystem and doubling their protection. National site-level actions are crucial towards achieving these goals, hence the establishment of the GMA-Kenya chapter.

The chapter brings together all GMA members in the country as well as other non-state actors and experts involved or interested in supporting mangrove conservation and management with the purpose of providing a collaborative platform for non-state actors and technical experts to advance best practices in mangrove conservation and management. The chapter will work closely with the government and communities, and facilitate the coordination and consolidation of knowledge products, efforts, and outputs by non-state actors, ensuring their contribution is aligned with and supports national mangrove conservation targets.

Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17, the signing of the MoU is a step towards joint programme development and implementation, leveraging on individual strengths and tools to accelerate actions as opposed to working in silos. The implementation of this MoU is guided by a 5-year strategy.  The chapter consists of a steering group with working groups on chapter development, capacity building, science knowledge management and monitoring, innovative finance, and policy and communication.

Together, the partners will advance:

• Coordinated agenda-setting and strategy development for all mangrove actions along the Kenyan coast
• Alignment of Parties’ project portfolios and activities, and opportunities to identify synergies and complementarities for coordinated efforts in mangrove conservation and management
• Enhanced exchange of data, knowledge, experience and skills to inform best management practices
• Coordinated consolidation of information and outputs from Parties as well as links to national processes
• Coordinated public outreach and policy dialogue with community, government, corporate partners and the wider mangrove stakeholders through a whole of government and whole of society approach.
• Strengthen collaboration with the National and County Mangrove Management Committees, institutions and other platforms related to the conservation of mangroves in Kenya, the Western Indian Ocean region and globally
• Build and strengthen community-led mangrove conservation, governance, and institutional structures.
• Joint program development, donor outreach and fundraising

"This MoU reaffirms IUCN’s commitment to collaborative action for nature and people. Mangrove conservation is a powerful Nature-based Solution which is essential to safeguarding the important benefits these ecosystems provide. In the face of growing ecological and societal challenges, joint thinking and co-execution are not optional, they are imperative. Together, we must act for nature, and in doing so, secure a better future for all." Luther Anukur Bois, Regional Director, IUCN-ESARO

“The establishment of the Global Mangrove Alliance–Kenya Chapter marks a major step toward coordinated mangrove conservation and restoration across the country. By enhancing the protection and management of Kenya’s 61,000 hectares of mangrove forests, this alliance supports the implementation of the National Mangrove Ecosystem Management Plan and contributes directly to The Nature Conservancy’s 2030 Goals of protecting ecosystems, reducing carbon emissions, and improving lives.” Dr. Ruth Masha, Kenya Country Program Director, The Nature Conservancy

“The establishment of the GMA-Kenya Chapter represents a crucial milestone in coordinated, community-led mangrove conservation efforts in Kenya and the broader Western Indian Ocean region. At Wetlands International Eastern Africa, we've witnessed the impact of collaborative approaches, from ecological mangrove restoration with local communities to policy advocacy that prioritises nature-based solutions for climate resilience. Through this alliance, we reaffirm our dedication to driving scalable, science-informed mangrove conservation initiatives that protect biodiversity and support sustainable coastal livelihoods across the Western Indian Ocean.” Dr. Julie Mulonga, Regional Director, Wetlands International Eastern Africa

“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signifies a transformative milestone in our journey to safeguard Kenya’s mangrove ecosystems. Through the Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA) Kenya Chapter, we are not only reinforcing our shared commitment to conservation, but also unlocking new pathways for collaborative action, strategic partnerships, and sustainable coastal development. This MoU lays the foundation for impactful, long-term solutions that protect nature and support coastal communities.” Mohamed Awer, Chief Executive Officer, WWF-Kenya

The formalization of the Global Mangrove Alliance, Kenya Chapter and the signing of this MoU is a key step in Kenya’s journey to restore and protect mangroves. At Conservation International, we believe science and policy must work together to deliver climate action. This partnership advances community-led, evidence-based solutions and unlock sustainable finance for nature. It reflects our commitment to strong collaboration from grassroots to government to ensure mangroves thrive for people, biodiversity, and climate.” Dr. Seif Hamisi, East Africa Managing Director, Conservation International