About Us
Restoring and protecting the Vanga Blue Forest for people and planet
Vanga Blue Forest Project
Who We Are
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.
Our Mission
Our Vision
Governance & Community Involvement
The project is managed by two committees, one focused on mangroves and the other on seagrass, each comprising 13 elected members who serve three-year terms, ensuring democratic governance and local representation. A project coordinator oversees overall management, supported by a project officer dedicated to the seagrass ecosystem and an assistant project coordinator for the mangrove ecosystem. Additionally, community forest scouts are employed for regular patrols, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members. Prior consent from the community is sought for all major project activities, demonstrating transparency.
Project Activities
Marine Conservation
This involves the implementation of seagrass meadow protection through seasonal closures (tengefus), with specific access hours and gear restrictions to ensure sustainable use and ecosystem protection.
Patrols
Weekly patrols of seagrass tengefus monitor restricted activities and ensure compliance while educating fishermen about sustainable practices. This seems closely related to Marine Conservation.
Training & Capacity Building
This activity provides comprehensive training programs in monitoring techniques, sustainable practices, governance, and essential life skills for community members.
Forest Surveys
Regular surveys monitor areas for illegal activities, assess tree species diversity, growth rates, and overall forest health to maintain ecosystem integrity.
Monitoring
Biannual monitoring in May and November measures carbon sequestration, ecosystem health, and biodiversity changes. Community members collaborate with KFS (Kenya Forest Service, likely) and KMFRI (Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, likely) for comprehensive assessments.
Awareness Creation
This includes regular workshops, community meetings, and educational campaigns to inform about the ecological, economic, and social benefits of conservation.
Meet the Team
Dedicated professionals and community leaders
Meali Mohamed
-
Meali Mohamed is an early -career professional passionate about marine conservation and sustainable development, focusing on empowering youth and women within the blue economy. As a certified diver, Meali combines her love for the ocean with practical initiatives that foster environmental stewardship. Her experience includes conducting landscape assessments and market analyses to boost community participation in sustainability efforts. In marine conservation, she has significantly contributed to coral monitoring, reef restoration and enhancing mangrove restoration projects recognizing the critical role these ecosystems play in enhancing coastal resilience. Currently exploring opportunities in the carbon credits space, she is committed to continuous professional development and aims to promote sustainable practices that enhance livelihoods within the blue economy communities. Meali's efforts are making a lasting impact on environmental conservation and community empowerment in Kenya, as she strives to create a more sustainable future for both people and the planet
Mwinyi Hassan Mohamed
Vanga Seagrass Project Officer
Working with coastal and marine resource management expertise and great passion in marine and biodiversity conservation through innovative approaches, Mwinyi is responsible for coordinating Vanga Seagrass Project activities and leads the community engagement.
Hamadi Tsunusi
Assistant project Coordinator
Hamadi recently managed VBF as Acting Project Coordinator and continues to support the project activities on the ground and supports the community, volunteers and project implementation.