Biodiversity and socioeconomic assessment of Lamu Southern Swamp mangrove ecosystem

Abstract

Mangroves account for only 3% of Kenya’s total forest cover, yet touted as one of the most productive systems with capacity to contribute significantly in climate change mitigation amongst other benefits. These ecosystems are known to be a biodiversity hotspot, being home, feeding and/or nursing grounds to unique birds, fish, mammals, plants, and microbial species and contribute significantly to the socio-cultural and economic wellbeing of the local community. However, the unprecedented degradation and loss of mangroves is causing a decline in biodiversity, leading to the potential local extinction of associated species and disrupting the intricate ecological balance of these unique ecosystems. In coming up with appropriate intervention measures, there is a need to understand both historical and current socio-ecological and political trends that influence selected actions. Moreover, finding a definitive connection between these components could be the key to successful management and conservation of these critical coastal ecosystems. Kenya Marine Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) was tasked by Wetlands International to conduct a biodiversity and socio-economic assessment of the mangroves of Lamu Southern Swamp. The work which entailed analysis of both primary and secondary data, was done in collaboration with Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Kenya Forest Service, the University of Nairobi, CORDIO East Africa, and Nature Kenya. In addition to reviews of existing data and information, this report documents the findings of a survey conducted in the mangroves and adjacent villages in May 2024. The report outlines mangrove ecosystem dynamics focusing on linkages and drivers of degradation. It also delves on the legal and policy frameworks upon which biodiversity conservation and mangrove management is anchored. Socio cultural and economic trends of the local community are also documented. The report further provides an in-depth analysis of the Southern Swamp mangrove biodiversity including use of eDNA techniques. The study concludes in the last chapter by providing baseline scenarios relating to the climate and environmental conditions of the Lamu Southern swamp and concludes by developing restoration scenarios for evaluation of potential climate change mitigation benefits of mangrove restoration.