In the heart of Kenya’s Lamu Archipelago, a beacon of conservation success shines bright, illustrating the incredible impact of a community-driven initiative. Explore Lamy are proud to share the remarkable achievements of the Lamu Marine Conservation Trust (LaMCoT), in their two-decade-long commitment to marine conservation, waste reduction, and community engagement.
Preserving Paradise: Lamu’s Pristine Streets and Beaches
Nestled within the town of Shela, Lamu, a 20-year grassroots movement led by LaMCoT has transformed the local landscape. A stark contrast to neighboring Lamu Town, Shela boasts pristine streets and beaches—a testament to LaMCoT’s unwavering commitment to cleanliness. Their recent collaboration with the Shela Environmental Residents Group (SERG) waste management program has proven particularly effective. In a unique approach, donkeys navigate the narrow and steep island streets, ensuring the daily cleanup of 200 households, as well as large houses and hotels on Shela Island. The program, largely self-sustaining, repurposes collected plastic, recycles aluminum cans, and employs a community cooker for waste incineration—an ingenious, sustainable solution.
Empowering Through Education: LaMCoT’s Impact on Schools
A stone’s throw from the community dumpsite, Shela Primary School and Bright Girls’ Secondary School stand as vital participants in LaMCoT’s 13-school education program. Here, students not only learn about marine ecosystem protection but also gain insights into conservation practices across Africa. Excursions to witness endangered turtle hatchlings making their way into the Indian Ocean and regular beach clean-ups enrich their environmental education.
Bright Girls’ Secondary School takes a practical approach, with students cultivating the food they eat in their school greenhouse, enhancing school lunches. The impact is profound, especially for students who traverse long distances daily. Improved concentration, as reported by the school’s principal, underscores the positive transformation.
Balancing Commerce and Conservation: Kiweni Community Conservation Area (CCA)
In Shela, where fishing is integral to the economy, sustainable practices are paramount. LaMCoT addressed this challenge by establishing the Kiweni CCA—a 741-acre no-take zone ensuring marine species’ undisturbed propagation. This area also serves as a community snorkelling zone, fostering conservation incentives. Former turtle poachers have transitioned to earning income through community tourism, a testament to the success of this conservation approach.
Despite challenges posed by rapid growth and industrialization, exemplified by a new port adjacent to the Kiweni CCA, LaMCoT remains resilient. Recognizing potential threats, they’ve identified a backup area in Kinyika Island, similar in size to Kiweni CCA, where they plan to intensify research and conservation efforts.
LaMCoT’s responsive and community-centered grassroots strategy instills confidence in their ability to overcome challenges, safeguarding Lamu’s critical biodiversity resource. In Lamu, the success story continues, echoing the profound impact achievable through dedicated community conservation efforts.
