🌿 Good Planet News Weekly

Mangrove Restoration_Kenya_Mangroves (3) - Salesforce

Global South Edition

Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

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🌊 Marereni, Kenya: A Community-Led Mangrove Revival

What happened
In Marereni, Kilifi County, a collaborative effort between Seatrees, Community-Based Environmental Conservation (COBEC), and local communities has led to the restoration of over 640 hectares of mangrove forests. The project has engaged over 600 community members, predominantly women, in establishing and maintaining mangrove nurseries. Participants earn income from selling mangrove seedlings and engaging in restoration activities. The initiative has resulted in improved fish stocks and enhanced coastal resilience.
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Buen Vivir Principles:

  • Community-led & endogenous: Local communities are at the forefront of the restoration efforts, utilizing traditional knowledge and practices.
  • Holistic wellbeing: The project addresses ecological health, economic stability, and cultural values.
  • Reciprocity with nature: The restoration of mangroves enhances biodiversity and provides ecosystem services that benefit the community.

Why it matters
This project exemplifies how community-led initiatives can effectively restore ecosystems while providing sustainable livelihoods and enhancing resilience to climate change.

🌿 Lamu County, Kenya: Integrating Restoration with Community Development

What happened
The Lamu County Mangrove Restoration Initiative, led by Eden People+Planet, restored over 1,120 hectares of mangrove forests from 2020 to 2024. The project integrated mangrove restoration with inland forest protection and community development across multiple ecological zones. Innovative restoration techniques were developed, providing valuable foundations for future carbon-eligible mangrove projects in similar landscapes across the region.
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Buen Vivir Principles

  • Holistic wellbeing: The project addressed ecological health, economic stability, and cultural values.
  • Alternative economies: The initiative promoted sustainable livelihoods through eco-friendly practices.
  • Plural/local context: Restoration techniques were tailored to the local ecological zones and community needs.

Why it matters
This initiative demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating ecological restoration with community development, leading to sustainable and resilient ecosystems.

🌊 Gazi Bay, Kenya: Restoring Ecosystems and Livelihoods

What happened
The Aga Khan Foundation, in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service, is restoring 226 hectares of degraded mangrove forests in Gazi Bay, Kwale County. The three-year project aims to rehabilitate vital ecosystems while fostering sustainable livelihoods. It aligns with AKF’s commitment to integrating environmental restoration with community development, ensuring long-term ecological health and economic stability.
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Buen Vivir Principles

  • Community-led & endogenous: Local communities are engaged in the restoration efforts, utilizing traditional knowledge and practices.
  • Holistic wellbeing: The project addresses ecological health, economic stability, and cultural values.
  • Reciprocity with nature: The restoration of mangroves enhances biodiversity and provides ecosystem services that benefit the community.

Why it matters
This project highlights the importance of integrating environmental restoration with community development to build resilience and ensure sustainable livelihoods.

🌊 Kolkata’s Heritage Revival: A Community-Led Transformation

What happened
Between November 2023 and September 2025, Kolkata, India has undergone a transformative heritage revival driven by a citizen-powered initiative named Kolkata Restorers. What started modestly with crowdfunding to light up the dome of Maniktala Market has grown into a vibrant movement revitalizing 94 historic buildings across the city. Through small donations—often Rs 500 to Rs 1,000—from individuals, families, and NRIs, residents have embraced preservation as a shared civic responsibility. Iconic landmarks like Raj Bhavan, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and New Market now glow at night as symbols of civic pride and historical continuity. The initiative fosters a “democracy of memory,” where even small contributions allow citizens to feel personally connected to Kolkata’s cultural narrative. By mirroring global heritage cities like Paris and Istanbul, this movement demonstrates how collective action can redefine urban pride and inspire hope. The Times of India

Buen Vivir Principles

  • Community-led & endogenous: Residents are at the forefront of the restoration efforts, utilizing traditional knowledge and practices.
  • Holistic wellbeing: The project addresses cultural preservation, community pride, and environmental sustainability.
  • Reciprocity with nature: The restoration of historic buildings enhances the city’s aesthetic value and fosters a deeper connection to the environment.

Why it matters
This initiative exemplifies how community-led efforts can effectively restore cultural heritage while promoting environmental sustainability and fostering a sense of collective identity.