Community conservation

Introduction and background

View of Mida Creek

Beyond the white sands and coral reefs of the Malindi-Watamu coastline lie Arabuko-Sokoke Forest (ASF) and Mida Creek. Arabuko-Sokoke Forest is the largest remnant of a dry coastal forest which originally stretched from Somalia down to Mozambique. It therefore contains an unusually high number of rare and endemic species, including five Globally Endangered and one Globally Threatened bird species. Mida Creek harbours important mangrove forests with a high diversity of species. It is of international importance for some of the water-bird species it supports, is a key spawning ground for several fish species and a feeding ground for young turtles. This makes it one of the most important regions for conservation in mainland Africa, and Mida together with Arabuko-Sokoke Forest have therefore been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Children collecting firewood

However, the future of these coastal habitats hangs in the balance. Every day a number of direct threats face the forest and creek, in particular illegal logging, poaching, over-fishing and pressures for land-clearance.

The Malindi-Watamu coastline is one of Kenya's main tourist attractions, generating money and income from arguably the world's largest industry. However, local people have benefited very little from international interest in the area.

In particular, education is a luxury for most families living around Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and Mida Creek. Whilst primary school is subsidised by the government and therefore more affordable, the comparatively high cost of secondary school fees means few families can afford it. For example, in 2000, in the Malindi District (where Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and Mida Creek are located) 92% of children who qualified for secondary school did not take up their places, largely because of poverty.

Traditionally the coastal people drew resources from the forest in order to survive. However, over a decade ago, resource use by local people was severely restricted which led to them feeling alienated from the forest. In 1992, more than half of the community wanted the entire forest to be cleared. Currently, rapid increases in population are placing immense pressure on resources and land, and many people still feel that they benefit very little from the forest. A Rocha Kenya recognises that as the wildlife fights for survival, so do the people living around the forest and creek. It is clear that if these habitats are to survive then local people must benefit from their conservation.