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
Monitoring
Biannual monitoring in May and November measures carbon sequestration, ecosystem health, and biodiversity changes. Community members collaborate with KFS and KMFRI for comprehensive assessments.
Marine Conservation
Implementation of seagrass meadow protection through seasonal closures (tengefus), with specific access hours and gear restrictions to ensure sustainable use and ecosystem protection.
Forest Surveys
Regular surveys monitor areas for illegal activities, assess tree species diversity, growth rates, and overall forest health to maintain ecosystem integrity.
Patrols
Weekly patrols of seagrass tengefus monitor restricted activities and ensure compliance while educating fishermen about sustainable practices.
Awareness Creation
Regular workshops, community meetings, and educational campaigns inform about the ecological, economic, and social benefits of conservation.
Training & Capacity Building
Comprehensive training programs in monitoring techniques, sustainable practices, governance, and essential life skills for community members.
Impact Stories
Education
The construction of a laboratory at Juma Boy Secondary School has significantly improved academic performance, with one student achieving an A grade and gaining university admission. At Vanga Primary School, the provision of desks has transformed the learning environment, ensuring every student has a proper place to sit and study.
- Laboratory construction at Juma Boy Secondary
- Desk distribution at Vanga Primary
- Classroom renovations
Healthcare
The project has significantly improved maternal healthcare in Vanga by providing maternity beds and essential medical equipment. This has eliminated the need for long-distance travel to Lunga-Lunga town for childbirth, reducing risks and improving access to care.
- Maternity bed provision
- Medical equipment supply
- Healthcare facility improvements
Meet the Team
Dedicated professionals and community leaders
Sarah Cheku
Assistant project Coordinator
The Vanga Blue Forest (VBF) was born out of a growing need to protect and restore the rich mangrove ecosystems of Vanga Bay, located along …