1. Mangrove Conservation

Conservation and restoration of mangroves is the main aim of Mikoko Pamoja. The project conserves 117 ha of mangroves and has been restoring 0.4ha annually. Over the three years the project has been in operation, it has restored ~8,000 mangroves with help from the local community, government institutions (KMFRI), local schools and volunteers. Two community scouts have been recruited to assist in surveillance in order to prevent illegal harvesting of mangroves in the project area. The project has also trained community members who assist in nursery establishment and monitoring activities.

Establishing a mangrove nursery

The species selected for restoration of the project area is Sonneratia Alba locally known as MLILANA.  The species occupies the seaward side of the intertidal area where they receive daily tide flushing.

Procedure

The team starts by collecting wildlings from the field that are then transplanted into the nursery area. Wildlings can be used when no fruits are in season. Fruits are available from November to December

• A nursery is set up by partitioning the nursery area into rows and column.
• Seedlings are then planted and transplanted after 8 months.
• The current Mikoko Pamoja mangrove nursery site was chosen as it is a Sonneratiagrowing zone and it is washed by tides every day. Transplanting is also much easier from the site as it is easily accessible.