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Project Papariko

Blue carbon

Community-based Mangrove restoration and conservation in Kenya

Mangroves are among the planet's most valuable sequestering 10 times as much carbon as other forests through their extensive root networks while providing shelter and resources for animals and people. Yet, they are also part of the most vulnerable ecosystems. Kenya has lost half its mangrove forests in the past 50 years due to overexploitation by locals using timber for fuel, construction materials, medicine, and overfishing in the areas. The Papariko project delivers a direct response to mangrove degradation on the South coast of Kenya, providing skills and sustainable livelihoods for communities that depend on these unique coastal ecosystems. Using a community-based model with large profit sharing (>40%), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) will decide on the usage of funds, investing in projects such as health dispensaries, education facilities, scholarships, or water infrastructures, ensuring local ownership and that benefits directly address community-identified needs.

Activities

Mangrove restoration: Replanting and regeneration of degraded mangrove areas along the south coast

Community training: Skills development in sustainable mangrove management and alternative livelihoods

Fishing management: Sustainable fishing practices to reduce pressure on mangrove ecosystems

Sustainable management: Implementation of controlled, sustainable use of mangrove resources

Community projects: Investment livelihood support activities

Impact & evolution

300
hectares

93,000
CO2e emissions sequestrated

11
IUCN-threatened protected species

Standards

Further information

opinion articles

10th March, 2025

Empowering women in environmental and climate action

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technical articles

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: a tool to drive effective conservation actions

Melina Gersberg

Read the article

Start year of operations

2023

First credit issuance

2027

Partnership with

Sustainable Development Goals

Women's empowerment through skills development and participation in community-based decision-making

Investment in water infrastructure projects funded through the community Livelihood Fund

Creation of 500 jobs in restoration, monitoring, and sustainable mangrove management for coastal communities

Removal of 93,000 tons of CO2e over 30 years

Restoration of Kenya's coastal mangrove forests addressing 50 years of degradation

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