There is need for concerted effort to safeguard wetlands

On Sunday, Kenya will join the world in celebrating World Wetlands Day, a moment to reflect on the immeasurable value of wetlands and their vital role in sustaining life. This year’s theme, 'Protecting wetlands for our common future', calls for urgent action to protect and restore these critical ecosystems, which are not only rich in biodiversity but also essential for climate resilience, livelihoods, and economic stability.

Wetlands exist at the intersection of land and water, encompassing marshes, swamps, peatlands, and mangroves. These ecosystems filter and store water, absorb carbon dioxide, and provide a safe haven for countless plant and animal species. In Kenya, wetlands cover approximately 4-6 per cent of the land area, supporting agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, while sustaining the livelihoods of local communities. But despite their significance, they face relentless pressure from encroachment, pollution, and climate change, which threaten the very communities that depend on them.

In Lamu, mangrove forests, which act as natural buffers against coastal erosion and storm surges, have been significantly degraded. Years of over harvesting, infrastructure development, and unchecked deforestation have left the region vulnerable. To address these challenges, Wetlands International, in collaboration with the Mangrove Action Project (MAP), introduced the Community-Based Ecological Mangrove Restoration (CBEMR) approach. Unlike conventional planting projects, CBEMR integrates ecological and social factors to encourage natural regeneration, ensuring that restored mangroves are more diverse and resilient.

“I wish this CBEMR training had been conducted years ago. Had I known how to identify the ecological and biophysical conditions first, I would never have planted mangroves in drainages and waterways. It is the best training I have participated in, and I am grateful to Wetlands International and MAP for this opportunity,” says Mwanahamisi Jillo, Manager with Lower Tana Delta Conservation Trust. Community champions trained under this model have been instrumental in raising awareness and driving conservation efforts, proving that local engagement is key to successful restoration.

Lake Turkana, the world’s largest desert lake, tells another story of resilience and adaptation. For generations, the Turkana people have depended on the lake for food and water. However, the effects of climate change, upstream developments, and overfishing have put immense pressure on this fragile ecosystem. Local fisherfolk have struggled with declining catches, making it harder to sustain their livelihoods.

Selina Nanyang, a fisherwoman from Todonyang, recalls how traditional fish drying methods were ineffective. "Before we used to dry our fish on the ground, reducing its value. Now, with the improved drying racks, our fish stays clean, dries faster, and fetches a better price," she says. The introduction of modern fish drying racks has improved fish quality and increased incomes for fisherfolk. By improving fish preservation methods, communities are now seeing a direct link between conservation and economic stability, reinforcing the importance of sustainable fishing practices.

Further inland, Wetlands International has been restoring rangelands in Turkana County. Drought-resistant grasses have been introduced to help local communities manage scarce grazing resources while reducing conflicts over pasture. Jennifer Arot, a village administrator, shares, “This grass not only supports the Turkana community but also our neighbours, the Dassanech of Ethiopia. By working together, we ensure its preservation and reap mutual benefits, especially during drought.” These efforts demonstrate that wetland conservation is not just about protecting nature—it is about securing livelihoods, fostering peace, and building resilience in the face of climate change.

Kenya has made commendable strides in wetland conservation. The National Wetlands Policy and the designation of several wetlands as Ramsar sites reflect the country’s commitment to preserving these ecosystems. Collaborative initiatives, such as the mangrove restoration projects in Lamu, show that positive change is possible when communities, government agencies, and NGOs work together. However, as progress is made, new challenges emerge, requiring sustained commitment to conservation.

Industrial pollution, agricultural runoff, and unregulated land use continue to threaten Kenya’s wetlands. In the Tana Delta, unsustainable development has led to the loss of critical wetland areas that once served as natural flood buffers. Without urgent intervention, these trends could have devastating consequences for both biodiversity and the communities that depend on them.

The Rights of Wetlands approach shifts the perception of wetlands from mere resources to be exploited to living entities with intrinsic value. This paradigm transforms the human-wetland relationship from one of extraction and depletion to one that fosters reciprocity and sustainable coexistence. The initiative, launched in Lamu and Tana counties, seeks to involve stakeholders from upstream areas to ensure responsible and equitable wetland use. By aligning governance structures with ecological realities, this approach aims to secure a more sustainable future for wetlands and the communities that rely on them.

Additionally, Wetlands International, together with partners in the Save Our Mangroves Now consortium, advocates for proper governance of wetland resources. For example, through the National Mangrove Management Committee and the County Mangrove Management Committee, governance issues are aligned with development plans to ensure wetlands are not harmed in the process. This guarantees the sustainability of wetlands exploitation for people and nature.

As Kenya marks World Wetlands Day 2025, it is an opportunity to reaffirm our collective responsibility to protect and restore these irreplaceable ecosystems.  Conservation requires the active involvement of policymakers, businesses, local communities, and individuals. Governments must enforce environmental regulations more effectively, while businesses need to adopt sustainable practices that reduce their ecological footprint.