Commander Kenya Navy, Major General Paul Otieno, on behalf of the Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Soipan Tuya, led a mangrove tree growing exercise along the shores of Mida Creek in Kilifi County.
The activity, conducted under the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Strategy (NLERS), formed part of the Ministry of Defence’s nationwide tree growing initiative held on the fourth Wednesday of every month. The initiative seeks to restore mangrove forests, which play a vital role in protecting coastal ecosystems, supporting marine biodiversity, and absorbing carbon emissions.
Reading the CS Defence’s remarks, Maj Gen Otieno emphasized the importance of mangroves as natural guardians of Kenya’s coastline.
“Mangroves are not ordinary trees; they are guardians of the coastline. They protect our shores from erosion, buffer our communities against storms, and serve as nurseries for fish that sustain the livelihood of local fishermen,” he read.
Maj Gen Otieno urged the local community to nurture the mangroves to maturity and appealed to partners to support residents by purchasing seedlings. He commended the Kenya Defence Forces personnel and partners for their contribution, affirming that such collaborative efforts are vital in mitigating the effects of climate change.
Over 40,000 mangrove seedlings of Rhizophora mucronata, Avicennia marina, and Ceriops tagal species were planted during the exercise.
Present at the event were personnel from the Kenya Defence Forces, Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, National Government Administration Officers, the County Government of Kilifi, Greens of Africa Foundation, Britam, and members of the local community.
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