Strengthen Conservation and Climate Change Impact Mitigation Efforts for Identified ongoing Initiatives on Nature-Based Solutions through a Mangrove Restoration Community Training Workshop

AU-IBAR's project on "Conserving Aquatic Biodiversity and Ecosystems in the context of the Africa Blue Economy" being implemented with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), envisions to strengthen measures for mitigating the negative impacts of climate change on aquatic biodiversity and environment, which support economic activities and livelihoods of AU member states. To address this, AU-IBAR commissioned studies to document the negative impact of climate change on aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems in Africa and recommend mitigation strategies. The studies have been completed, report developed and validated by continental stakeholders.

A follow-up action based on the recommendations of the study report was envisaged to support selected ongoing initiatives to strengthen conservation and climate change efforts on nature-based solutions for ecosystems restoration. In that regard, the Kenyan Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRl)'s Mangrove Research Programme was identified for collaboration to provide support to the "Strengthening Conservation and Restoration of Blue Carbon Ecosystems for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptations" project. Given KMFRI's successful implementation of the Mikoko Pamoja Carbon Credit project and the continued support for the Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation Project, AU-IBAR collaborated with KMFRI (From May 2023 - date) to support the restoration of the functionality of blue carbon ecosystems for community development and environmental sustainability in the Gazi Bay- South Coast of Kenya.