The Vanga Blue Forest (VBF) Project is a pioneering blue carbon initiative launched in 2019 on the southeast coast of Kenya in Kwale County, specifically in Lunga-Lunga Sub-County, Vanga Ward. This community-based organization operates across four villages: Vanga, Jimbo, Kiwegu and Jasini, with members belonging to the VAJIKI Community Forest Association (CFA) and the Vanga and Jimbo Beach Management Units (BMUs).
Established under the VAJIKI CFA, the project aims to protect and sustain the flow of mangrove ecosystem services by halting further deforestation and degradation of the ecosystem, while also conserving and restoring seagrasses and associated biodiversity in Vanga Bay to support sustainable resource use. The project recognizes the critical role of mangroves and seagrass in mitigating climate change, enhancing biodiversity and supporting coastal livelihoods through active community engagement in conservation efforts.
Community-led mangrove and seagrass conservation in coastal Kenya
Located in Vanga Bay, Kwale County, serving four villages (Vanga, Jimbo, Kiwegu, Jasini) through the VAJIKI Community Forest Association.
• 460 hectares of mangrove forest
• 224.5 hectares of seagrass
• 4 villages supported
Preventing over 20,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions through mangrove protection and restoration, with a target of 8,700 tons through community involvement.
• 20,000+ tonnes CO₂ prevented
• 5,023 tons annual sequestration target
• Verified carbon credits
60% of carbon credit income supports local development initiatives including education, healthcare, and infrastructure improvements.
• School facilities improvement
• Healthcare equipment provision
• Infrastructure development
Comprehensive conservation through monitoring, patrols, awareness creation, and capacity building programs.
• Biannual ecosystem monitoring
• Weekly seagrass patrols
• Community training programs
Representing local conservation efforts at major international platforms and climate conferences.
• World Ocean Summit 2023
• COP 26 Glasgow
• COP 29 2024
Expanding conservation efforts while developing sustainable community opportunities through eco-tourism and livelihood programs.
• Eco-tourism development
• Coral reef conservation
• Sustainable livelihoods
Making a difference in coastal conservation and community development
Total protected mangrove and seagrass area
Tonnes of CO₂ emissions prevented
Of carbon credit income supporting local development
Working together for a sustainable future
Stay updated with our conservation efforts
The goal of the website should be to clearly communicate the project's mission, showcase its environmental and community impact, and encourage engagement and support. A clean, engaging, and informative design will be key.
Read More →Hear from our community and partners
"I had a fun time"
Sample Testimonial
Manager at Some Comapay
Help us protect and restore the Vanga Blue Forest ecosystem while supporting sustainable community development. Together, we can create lasting impact through carbon offsetting, biodiversity conservation, and community empowerment.
