The project “Mikoko” FSPI in Higher Education, Research and Professional Training aims to respond to the solicitation of France by the Kenyan government to meet the challenge of managing the Kenyan mangrove ecosystem “strategic” for the adaptation to climate change, protection of biodiversity, and economic development of the coastal region. With and thanks to its scientific cooperation operators in Kenya, CIRAD and IRD, France has unparalleled experience in meeting this demand.

The mangrove forest, which is the interface between freshwater arrivals and the sea, is one of the most productive and rich ecosystems on the planet, and provides a number of services and benefits to local populations in the coastal area, and the global environment. It produces termite-resistant tree species and tannins, and contributes to the regeneration of fish resources over large areas with its nursery function (fish, shrimps, crabs)

Objectives

• Restore and conserve mangrove forests to improve socio-economic well-being and ensure environmental sustainability especially in context of climate change
• To establish and strengthen new knowledge of mangrove environment, its biodiversity and its resilience to climate change
• Train the staff of Kenya forest service to better understand the sustainable mangrove conservation and management for socio-economic development.
• Mainstreaming Communication and dissemination of project results among stakeholders.
• Project management and coordination

To establish and strengthen new knowledge of mangrove environment, its biodiversity and its resilience to climate change.

1.1 Set up a 1st workshop with all partners and launch the project website as well as the participatory knowledge platform.

1.2 Contribute to the update of Kenya coast mangrove biodiversity data.

1.3 Organize the field missions required for the biodiversity data collection.

1.4 Mapping the Evolution of Mangrove Surfaces using appropriate methodologies.

1.5 Integrate the identification software into the knowledge platform and associated mobile applications (Apps)

Train the staff of Kenya forest service to better understand the sustainable mangrove conservation and management for socio-economic development.

2.1 Assessment of staff needs and skills requirements.

2.2 Develop national guidelines for conservation and management of mangroves. 2.3 Develop a training program on mangrove management.

2.4 Provide the tools and equipment needed to fill identified gaps.

2.5 Community Management of Mangrove Conservation and Restoration and Payments for Ecosystem Services (Carbon Storage)

Mainstreaming Communication and dissemination of project results among stakeholders

3.1 Production of visibility materials
3.2 Organize shows, exhibitions and trade fairs and school based learning events along the mangroves
3.3 Organize a final workshop with all partners and managers of the country’s mangrove areas (all counties on the Kenyan coast).
3.4 Drafting of the final report and publication of the project results online.
3.5 Visibility actions such as communications at conferences and national and international publications

Project management and coordination

4.1 Monitoring and performance
This will be planned during project inception
4.2 Institutional Communication
This will be structured according to the agreements signed with the various implementing partners.
4.3 Evaluation
One end of Project evaluation will be done at the final year.
One annual report will be done for the year 2019 and the second final report in 2021