Interestingly, the story of Tudor Creek traces back to a source far from its bustling urban environment. The journey begins near the town of Mariakani, approximately 32 kilometers northwest of Mombasa. Here, a river originates, which later transforms into a creek with historical and ecological significance.

However, the story of Tudor Creek is not without challenges. The mangroves that once adorned its banks have undergone degradation over time. The culprits behind this decline include excessive mangrove logging for construction and fuelwood, sand harvesting, coastal development, soil erosion, and the adverse effects of pests and oil spills.

These suburban mangroves, covering an area of 1,641 hectares, host various species such as Rhizophora mucronata, Avicennia marina, Ceriops tagal, and Sonneratia alba. The forest, once a biodiversity haven, faced exploitation for fishing, construction materials, and firewood, primarily driven by poverty and lack of awareness.

In response to these pressing issues, a determined youth group emerged in 2011. Recognizing the need for action, they embarked on a plan to restore and rehabilitate the mangrove ecosystem of Tudor Creek. Their efforts began with setting up nurseries and planting initiatives, taking the first steps toward ecosystem restoration.

Over two years, their dedication attracted the attention of organizations such as KCDP, UNDP/SGP-GEF, The Pollination Project, and IDEA WILD. These organizations provided financial and material support, boosting their efforts. Since then, a remarkable 120,000 trees have been planted, with an additional 8,000 seedlings prepared for future planting.

The youth behind this project knew they should not limit themselves to merely planting new trees. To ensure the sustainability of their work and reduce pressure on mangroves, a cultural shift must occur in the area. They set an example themselves by expanding into eco-friendly enterprises that perfectly fit the area. They have been highly successful with beekeeping and shellfish farming for consumption.

The group’s vision extends beyond immediate action, aiming to fully restore the entire mangrove ecosystem along Tudor Creek. With a focus on sustainable practices, they are working on an ecosystem service payment scheme (PES). Their ambitions align seamlessly with national development goals and Vision 2030.

Collaboration has been essential to their success. The group has formed partnerships with NGOs and government institutions to amplify their impact. Now, as interest in the blue economy grows, this project is gaining momentum, strengthening the relationships between the local community and coastal ecosystems in the province.