BIODIVERSITY & CONSERVATION

Kenya’s marine ecosystems are rich in biodiversity, hosting over 250 species of hard corals, more than 1,000 species of fish, and diverse mammals, sea turtles, and seabirds. The biodiversity and conservation thematic area focuses on the preservation and sustainable management of these ecosystems, which include over 61,000 hectares of mangrove forests, coral reefs covering 630 km², seagrass beds, estuaries, and intertidal zones.

These habitats provide essential ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, shoreline protection, nursery grounds for fish, and cultural identity. However, increasing pressures from climate change, coastal development, destructive fishing practices, and pollution have degraded many of these habitats.

MSP will take into account the strategies being implemented to ensure long-term ecological health and resilience of these habitats include ecosystem-based management, establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), conservation of critical habitats and species, climate adaptation and blue carbon initiatives.