In the picturesque Lamu archipelago off northern Kenya, a transformative force, the Lamu Marine Conservation Trust (LaMCoT), emerged in 1992 in response to the unsustainable harvesting of turtles and their eggs. Since its inception, LaMCoT has grown into a beacon of community-driven conservation, intertwining efforts to protect turtles, promote education, engage the community, and manage waste across four crucial areas.
Turtle Protection: Safeguarding the Ocean’s Treasures
At the heart of LaMCoT’s mission is the preservation of Kenya’s coastal waters, home to five threatened species of sea turtles. Collaborating with local fishermen, community members, sponsors, and supporters, LaMCoT has implemented innovative turtle and nest protection programs. Through a unique bycatch initiative, local fishermen receive incentives for turtles accidentally caught in their nets. Well-wishers adopt turtles, which are then measured, treated, tagged, and released, contributing to the remarkable tally of 100,000+ hatchlings and 1,200+ taggings. Ex-poachers turned conservationists patrol Shella and Takwa Beach, preventing illegal poaching of eggs and ensuring the safety of baby turtles on their journey to the ocean.
Education & Awareness: Nurturing Tomorrow’s Stewards
Recognizing the importance of community involvement and education, LaMCoT runs impactful programs in 14 schools across three islands in the archipelago. The Environmental Kindness Club, engaging 260 students, focuses on PACE lessons and environmental programs, utilizing tablets filled with educational content. Beyond the classroom, LaMCoT orchestrates field trips, beach clean-ups, and tree planting, fostering an understanding of conservation’s interconnectedness. The Bee Project, addressing the symbiotic relationship between bees and mangroves, highlights the importance of sustainability and alternative income sources.
Community Marine Conservation: Beneath the Waves Protection
Understanding the need for comprehensive conservation, LaMCoT dives beneath the waves, establishing Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMA). The success of the Kiweni Reef, protected since 2008, showcases the positive impact of such efforts. The ongoing Kinyika Co-Management Area aims to protect a vital reef, attracting turtles, pelagics, and dolphins. Coral surveys and a dolphin database enhance understanding, while mangrove restoration projects counteract centuries of commercial harvesting, ensuring a harmonious marine ecosystem.
Rubbish Collection & Management: A Pristine Environment’s Guardians
As plastic waste threatens the oceans, LaMCoT addresses this challenge head-on. Collaborating with the Shella Environmental Residents Group (SERG), daily rubbish collection and clean-ups in Shella Village and along the beach help manage approximately 800kg of waste per day, totaling 288 tonnes annually. These efforts not only maintain a pristine environment but also create a safe space for turtle nesting and hatching.
In the hands of LaMCoT, Lamu’s marine ecosystem thrives through a holistic approach, bridging conservation and community development. From protecting turtles to nurturing future stewards and managing waste, LaMCoT stands as a testament to the power of grassroots efforts in safeguarding our oceans and preserving the treasures within.
