Swahili Coast Mangrove Restoration

A thriving stand of young mangrove saplings pushing up bright new leaves across the mudflat. This density of healthy seedlings at this stage is exactly what we want to see, it points to strong survival rates as this section of the Kenya project matures.

Established mangrove roots are doing their job, anchoring the muddy tidal substrate while the canopy behind them fills in with dense, healthy green growth. This section of the Kenya site shows the kind of mature root architecture that stabilizes the shoreline and gives the whole

Mangroves don't need much to get started — just sediment, tidal water, and the right placement. On this particular planting day, the crew spread out across the flat, each person working their own section. The seedlings in the foreground had already been in the ground for a season

Collecting mangrove propagules from existing trees is part of how the work sustains itself locally. The seeds are harvested, replanted nearby, and the forest gradually expands from within. This is what that process looked like a few years back — and those same trees are considerably

Low tide reveals everything. The prop roots of established trees create a nursery for the seedlings growing beneath them — shade, shelter, stability in the mud. The old forest is raising the new one.

Reaching restoration sites isn’t always easy. Monitoring mangroves often starts with navigating flooded tracks and unstable ground.

At this stage, growth becomes visible above and below the surface — expanding canopies paired with strengthening root systems.

Mangroves grow best on riverbanks and coastal edges, even though the conditions can be rough. Because tides can wash away new seedlings, planting them at the right time and in the right location makes all the difference for their survival

That first set of leaves is a big milestone—it's when a mangrove seedling starts producing its own energy and really settles in.

Did you know?

Mangroves thrive along rivers because the mix of freshwater and saltwater creates the perfect environment for their growth.

Riverbanks also deliver nutrient-rich sediments that support strong root systems and help mangroves stabilize coastlines.

We’re closely monitoring the growth of the mangrove trees—tracking their health and stepping in with support when needed to help them establish successfully.

Our planting team in action, carefully planting propagules along the creek in Kenya, helping restore and protect this vital ecosystem.

This is how some of the mangrove propagule look like up close right after being planted.

Even though our work is challenging—trekking through muddy areas to plant mangrove seedlings—we put in the effort to ensure they thrive. It’s tough, but seeing these trees grow strong and healthy makes it all worthwhile.

Aerial view of a growing mangrove forest in our Kenyan coasts.