Mangroves and Seagrass: a Green Lifeline for African Coastal Communities
Wildlife Conservation Society Fights to Save Endangered Animals
Wildlife Conservation Society Fights to Save Wildlife and Wild Places.
When you become a monthly donor, you sustain our mission to protect wildlife and wildlife place not only for today but for years to come.
The Issue
Mangroves and seagrass meadows are critical habitats – they are highly biodiverse, serve as fish nurseries, and protect shorelines from storms and erosion. However, in East Africa, both habitats are under threat from overharvest of mangrove wood and use of destructive fishing gear that rips up seagrass.
Solution
When restored, mangroves and seagrasses contain massive amounts of carbon - the carbon they store is known as “blue carbon” and can be sold in international markets. Individuals or companies buy “blue carbon credits” to offset carbon-emitting activities like flying planes or releasing industrial pollution. By connecting communities to these carbon markets, we introduce a powerful financial incentive for conserving and restoring these beautiful forests and meadows, while contributing to global efforts to slow climate change.
Support our work
In coastal Kenya, WCS has successfully protected mangrove and seagrass habitats and planted new mangrove trees, increasing the amount of carbon stored locally. With support, communities are able to sell this extra carbon and use the funds for critical local projects like getting access to fresh water for village homes. WCS is partnering with the Kenya Marine Fisheries Research Institute to figure out how to expand this project across more communities. Please make a donation to Wildlife Conservation Society today to help us protect mangrove and seagrass habitat, and help communities access international carbon markets.