This archive report was first published on 14 October 2019.
On October 14, 2019, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) unveiled Sh31.6 million in funding for eight marine conservation projects in Kwale County through the Small Grants Programme (SGP) initiative.
At a stakeholders forum in Shimoni, near the border with Tanzania, UNDP country Deputy Resident Representative Mandisa Mashologu highlighted the importance of the project, which aims to protect the ocean's unique ecosystem and promote food security among coastal fisher communities.
“The grants will help the community groups working to restore and conserve the fragile marine environment thereby enhancing food security among coastal fisher communities,” Mashologu said.
The Shimoni-Vanga seascape has been selected as one of three ecologically sensitive areas of national and global significance for focus in this funding phase, along with the Baringo landscape and the sacred Mijikenda Kaya forests within Kilifi County.
Patrick Kimani, the Project Coordinator for the Coastal Marine and Research Development, hailed the donor funding as a ‘critical step for ocean conservation’. He emphasized the need to address threats such as overfishing, plastic pollution, and climate change.
Kwale County Governor Salim Mvurya expressed optimism that the UNDP grants will enhance food and nutrition security of vulnerable households, and that the small funding investments in conservation groups in the region will make a big difference in protecting coastal areas and marine life.
