Milihoi
Kenya
Kenya
About this project
Kenya’s coastal mangroves are vital for protecting marine biodiversity, shielding shorelines from erosion, and supporting local livelihoods. Kichwa cha Nyoka, also known as Milihoi, is located on the coast of Kenya, directly inland from the southern end of Lamu Island. The Swahili name “Kichwa cha Nyoka” translates to “head of the snake,” reflecting the unique geographical features of the region. However, decades of overharvesting for firewood, construction, and agriculture have significantly degraded these ecosystems, leaving communities vulnerable to extreme weather events and impacting food security.
The Kichwa cha Nyoka/Milihoi mangrove restoration project, launched in July 2021, spans 1,159 hectares in Lamu County and focuses on restoring these critical habitats. Native species such as Avicennia marina, Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal, and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza are being planted at a density of 10,000 trees per hectare.
The Kichwa cha Nyoka/Milihoi project is a significant effort to restore mangrove ecosystems that have suffered from illegal harvesting and environmental degradation. As of the latest report, over 1.25 million trees have been planted in this area, which is located near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lamu Town. Mangroves in this region play a crucial role in mitigating storm surges, reducing soil erosion, and providing habitats for diverse marine species. This restoration project is aligned with Kenya’s broader environmental goals and is an essential part of efforts to protect the country’s coastal ecosystems, improve local resilience to climate change, and support sustainable livelihoods for the surrounding communities.
The Kichwa cha Nyoka/Milihoi mangrove restoration project, launched in July 2021, spans 1,159 hectares in Lamu County and focuses on restoring these critical habitats. Native species such as Avicennia marina, Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal, and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza are being planted at a density of 10,000 trees per hectare.
The Kichwa cha Nyoka/Milihoi project is a significant effort to restore mangrove ecosystems that have suffered from illegal harvesting and environmental degradation. As of the latest report, over 1.25 million trees have been planted in this area, which is located near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lamu Town. Mangroves in this region play a crucial role in mitigating storm surges, reducing soil erosion, and providing habitats for diverse marine species. This restoration project is aligned with Kenya’s broader environmental goals and is an essential part of efforts to protect the country’s coastal ecosystems, improve local resilience to climate change, and support sustainable livelihoods for the surrounding communities.
Revitalizing communities
and ecosystems
and ecosystems
With the creation of 5,841 employment days since June 2021, the project has provided stable incomes for workers, allowing them to improve their living standards, save for the future, and invest in their households. Women’s empowerment has been a focus, with 22.6% of the workforce being female, providing women with economic opportunities and a voice in community development.
Beyond job creation, the reforestation efforts also improve food security and healthcare access for families, as employees are better able to afford nutritious food and provide for their children’s education. The project’s work in reducing soil erosion and providing storm surge protection further benefits local residents, enhancing their resilience to climate impacts.
Beyond job creation, the reforestation efforts also improve food security and healthcare access for families, as employees are better able to afford nutritious food and provide for their children’s education. The project’s work in reducing soil erosion and providing storm surge protection further benefits local residents, enhancing their resilience to climate impacts.
Location
Country: Kenya
City: Lamu
Project Type
Reforestation
Environmental Benefits
- Erosion Prevention
- Enhance Water Quality.
- Habitat Restoration
- Biodiversity Enhancement
- Increased Carbon Capture
Location
Country: Kenya
City: Lamu
Project Type
Reforestation
Environmental Benefits
- Erosion Prevention
- Enhance Water Quality.
- Habitat Restoration
- Biodiversity Enhancement
- Increased Carbon Capture
About this project
Kenya’s coastal mangroves are vital for protecting marine biodiversity, shielding shorelines from erosion, and supporting local livelihoods. Kichwa cha Nyoka, also known as Milihoi, is located on the coast of Kenya, directly inland from the southern end of Lamu Island. The Swahili name “Kichwa cha Nyoka” translates to “head of the snake,” reflecting the unique geographical features of the region. However, decades of overharvesting for firewood, construction, and agriculture have significantly degraded these ecosystems, leaving communities vulnerable to extreme weather events and impacting food security.
The Kichwa cha Nyoka/Milihoi mangrove restoration project, launched in July 2021, spans 1,159 hectares in Lamu County and focuses on restoring these critical habitats. Native species such as Avicennia marina, Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal, and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza are being planted at a density of 10,000 trees per hectare.
The Kichwa cha Nyoka/Milihoi project is a significant effort to restore mangrove ecosystems that have suffered from illegal harvesting and environmental degradation. As of the latest report, over 1.25 million trees have been planted in this area, which is located near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lamu Town. Mangroves in this region play a crucial role in mitigating storm surges, reducing soil erosion, and providing habitats for diverse marine species. This restoration project is aligned with Kenya’s broader environmental goals and is an essential part of efforts to protect the country’s coastal ecosystems, improve local resilience to climate change, and support sustainable livelihoods for the surrounding communities.
The Kichwa cha Nyoka/Milihoi mangrove restoration project, launched in July 2021, spans 1,159 hectares in Lamu County and focuses on restoring these critical habitats. Native species such as Avicennia marina, Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal, and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza are being planted at a density of 10,000 trees per hectare.
The Kichwa cha Nyoka/Milihoi project is a significant effort to restore mangrove ecosystems that have suffered from illegal harvesting and environmental degradation. As of the latest report, over 1.25 million trees have been planted in this area, which is located near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lamu Town. Mangroves in this region play a crucial role in mitigating storm surges, reducing soil erosion, and providing habitats for diverse marine species. This restoration project is aligned with Kenya’s broader environmental goals and is an essential part of efforts to protect the country’s coastal ecosystems, improve local resilience to climate change, and support sustainable livelihoods for the surrounding communities.
The Kichwa cha Nyoka/Milihoi project is a significant effort to restore mangrove ecosystems that have suffered from illegal harvesting and environmental degradation. As of the latest report, over 1.25 million trees have been planted in this area, which is located near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lamu Town. Mangroves in this region play a crucial role in mitigating storm surges, reducing soil erosion, and providing habitats for diverse marine species. This restoration project is aligned with Kenya’s broader environmental goals and is an essential part of efforts to protect the country’s coastal ecosystems, improve local resilience to climate change, and support sustainable livelihoods for the surrounding communities.
Revitalizing communities
and ecosystems
and ecosystems
With the creation of 5,841 employment days since June 2021, the project has provided stable incomes for workers, allowing them to improve their living standards, save for the future, and invest in their households. Women’s empowerment has been a focus, with 22.6% of the workforce being female, providing women with economic opportunities and a voice in community development.
Beyond job creation, the reforestation efforts also improve food security and healthcare access for families, as employees are better able to afford nutritious food and provide for their children’s education. The project’s work in reducing soil erosion and providing storm surge protection further benefits local residents, enhancing their resilience to climate impacts.
Beyond job creation, the reforestation efforts also improve food security and healthcare access for families, as employees are better able to afford nutritious food and provide for their children’s education. The project’s work in reducing soil erosion and providing storm surge protection further benefits local residents, enhancing their resilience to climate impacts.
Path to full restoration
Path to full restoration
The future of this project aims to plant up to 15.9 million trees to restore this critical area. Over the next few years, the team will monitor the site, protect newly planted trees, and apply adaptive management strategies to ensure the ecosystem’s recovery. As the trees mature, they will naturally regenerate, contributing to a sustainable environment.
Aligned with Kenya’s AFR100 initiative (African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative), the project supports large-scale landscape restoration and climate resilience across the country. Expanding and protecting these mangroves will enhance national climate resilience and provide lasting benefits to local communities.
Located in the ecologically significant Milihoi channel near Lamu Town, these mangroves are vital for coastal protection and local livelihoods. Historically, the local economy relied on mangrove harvesting, but overharvesting has led to significant depletion. Current restoration efforts are essential for revitalizing the ecosystem and supporting sustainable practices.
By planting native mangrove species such as Avicennia marina, Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal, and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, the project is restoring biodiversity, reducing erosion, and enhancing storm surge protection while providing economic opportunities for local communities. The continued success of this initiative depends on the support of business partners and donors.
Aligned with Kenya’s AFR100 initiative (African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative), the project supports large-scale landscape restoration and climate resilience across the country. Expanding and protecting these mangroves will enhance national climate resilience and provide lasting benefits to local communities.
Located in the ecologically significant Milihoi channel near Lamu Town, these mangroves are vital for coastal protection and local livelihoods. Historically, the local economy relied on mangrove harvesting, but overharvesting has led to significant depletion. Current restoration efforts are essential for revitalizing the ecosystem and supporting sustainable practices.
By planting native mangrove species such as Avicennia marina, Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal, and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, the project is restoring biodiversity, reducing erosion, and enhancing storm surge protection while providing economic opportunities for local communities. The continued success of this initiative depends on the support of business partners and donors.
