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The Malindi-Watamu-Arabuko Sokoke (MWAS) Biosphere Reserve is an extraordinary blend of ecosystems, featuring two marine national parks and the ancient Arabuko Sokoke Forest. This rich environment provides vital ecosystem services, supporting local livelihoods through fishing, agriculture, eco-tourism, and innovative sustainable practices like butterfly farming.

In addition to its environmental significance, the MWAS Biosphere Reserve is a hub of cultural heritage. It is home to Indigenous communities such as the MijiKenda, Swahili, and Bajun, who contribute unique cultural values and traditions. Historical landmarks, including the Gede ruins and Malindi’s old town, further enhance the reserve’s distinct blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. 

The Earth Network, supported by the Government of Italy, conducted a mission aimed at addressing challenges and developing a sustainable tourism strategy that protects the environment while supporting the region’s communities.

The mission, conducted from 2-16 August 2024, was led by experts Ms Mouna Chambon, a specialist in Ocean Sustainability from France, and Mr Boniface Wekesa Wanyama, a Kenyan expert in Ecological Systems Analysis. Together, they assessed the pressures MWAS faces, including overfishing, coral reef damage caused by bleaching, and increasing coastal development. These activities have degraded natural habitats, particularly the coral reefs that form a vital part of MWAS’s marine ecosystem. With limited alternative sources of income, many local residents continue to rely on these resources, making it challenging to promote environmental protection.

The mission underscored the need for MWAS to gain greater visibility in Kenya’s tourism market. Despite its cultural richness and ecological significance, the reserve remains relatively unknown compared to other popular tourist destinations in Kenya. This lack of recognition has hindered its potential to flourish as an ecotourism site.

To address these challenges, the mission began with workshops in Malindi and Watamu, involving a total of 71 local stakeholders. These included representatives from community-based organisations, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KFRI). In these workshops, participants collaborated to design a sustainable tourism strategy that respects environmental limits while generating economic opportunities.

The experts also conducted site visits to local initiatives actively engaged in conservation. These included the Prawn Lake eco-friendly group, known for its sustainable seafood restaurant and mangrove nurseries, and Local Ocean Conservation, which works tirelessly to protect marine biodiversity. Visits to the Gedi, UNESCO World Heritage site, also served as an opportunity to integrate historical sites into the tourism strategy, showcasing MWAS’s cultural significance.

An essential element of the mission was youth engagement. Representatives from the MAB 91Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ·×ÔÅÄ, alongside local youth organisations like OKOA Youth and Friends of Arabuko Sokoke Forest, provided valuable perspectives on sustainable tourism and conservation. Youth groups offer vital support in patrolling conservation areas and actively combat issues such as illegal logging in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest. Empowering young people in conservation not only supports biodiversity but also provides them with meaningful employment opportunities. 

Women emerged as well as significant contributors to conservation efforts during this mission, embodying leadership roles across several organisations. In the Malindi workshop, over half of the participants were women, and their contributions were evident in areas like marine park management and sustainable resource production. A notable example was the mangrove nursery at Gedeng Camp, managed by a local women’s group that works tirelessly to restore and preserve these vital coastal forests. The mission highlighted the importance of gender inclusivity in achieving conservation success, recognising the valuable contributions of women as they increasingly engage in diverse roles within MWAS.

Alongside capacity building and awareness-raising, the mission emphasised the critical role of sustainable fishing practices and the need to safeguard MWAS’s marine resources. At Prawn Lake, a thriving model for sustainable aquaculture was noted, demonstrating an approach that could inspire similar initiative across the region. Local communities practice sustainable fishing in the lake, which supplies an eco-friendly restaurant nearby. The commitment to maintaining mangrove nurseries and conducting kayak patrols contributes to ecosystem protection while providing a sustainable income for its members.

The mission also generated valuable recommendations for MWAS’s future management. The experts advised enhancing environmental education to underscore the importance of preserving natural resources. They also suggested developing alternative livelihoods, such as beekeeping and ecotourism to reduce dependency on resource extraction. Ecotourism, in particular, holds significant potential to generate economic benefits for the local community, thereby fostering greater engagement in conservation efforts. To support this, the experts recommended establishing a unified stakeholder platform to improve communication and coordination, which would strengthen the biosphere reserve’s sustainable management framework.

The mission’s achievements illustrate how partnerships, inclusivity, and sustainable planning can shape a promising future for MWAS and other biosphere reserves globally. This mission serves as a reminder that, with the active collaboration of local communities, governments, and international organisations, it is possible to safeguard our shared planet while celebrating the rich diversity of cultures and ecosystems it holds.