Swahili Coast Mangrove Restoration

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.

Land restoration in Kenya's mangrove forests is crucial for biodiversity, climate action, and community livelihood. These efforts combat coastal erosion, enhance carbon sequestration, and bolster local economies through fisheries and tourism.

The team transports materials necessary for reforestation, demonstrating the lengths to which they go to restore and protect vital ecosystems. Overcoming natural obstacles such as rivers and rugged terrains is just one of the many commitments reforestation teams make to ensure the