Resilient coastal towns and sustainable coral reefs in South-East Kenya
Mkwiro Village is a coastal town in South-East Kenya, one of many similar towns that depend largely on coral reef fishing and tourism. The decline of the coral reefs, the related loss of fish stock and the economic blows to the tourism sector caused by the pandemic have left these towns highly vulnerable both socially and economically. WUR scientists are therefore looking for opportunities to develop a sustainable economy here.
Previously, the WUR project REEFolution trained local REEF rangers to manage the coral reefs in a sustainable way. They were also taught how to use artificial blocks to rebuild the coral reef and plant more coral. Now it is time for the further development and anchoring of the technique, and this stage was recently started in Mkwiro thanks to a donation from the Turing Foundation.
Firstly, sustainable diving and snorkelling tourism will be boosted by building a reef for this purpose. Secondly, added value will be created for local seaweed cultivation by establishing a production facility for high-quality end products from seaweed. Finally, a visitor centre is being built for both tourists and the local population, providing information on the sustainable use of coral reefs and other natural resources.
“It is great to see how, thanks to the aid of the Turing Foundation, Mkwiro is making the transformation from a town that is strongly dependent on fishing to a pioneer in sustainable coastal use,” says WUR scientist Tinka Murk. “The support has stimulated the development of sustainable alternative businesses, which converts the vulnerable dependency on fisheries in Mkwiro into greater resilience and inclusivity.”
The Turing Foundation is also very positive about the project: “The integrated approach of WUR and REEFolution, together with the local population in Mkwiro Village, not only protects and recovers the coral reef, but also develops a sustainable use of the reef. This has the potential to turn Mkwiro into a regional role model while stimulating other villages and areas to follow suit and benefit an even greater coastal area. From the perspective of the Turing Foundation, this type of project contributes to a healthy balance in our ecosystem.”