Kwale - Tanga Coast - Transboundary conservation and sustainable management of coastal and marine biodiversity

• The project conducted a study to analyse the economic viability of coastal communities, especially women and youth, through the sustainable use of natural coastal and marine resources, which will be used as a guide for implementation.
• The project has held various kick-off meetings and exchanges with relevant representatives of the government, civil society, projects and donors in both partner countries (Kenya and Tanzania).
• The project is working on the creation of a broad multi-stakeholder platform for the participation of relevant groups of people in the elaboration and formulation of a transboundary marine conservation area Kenya-Tanzania (TBCA), especially with the involvement of representatives of the local coastal population.
• In January 2025, the project advisory committee met for the first time with the permanent members of both countries. The operational plan for 2025 was drawn up jointly.

Kenya:

• As part of the project, a three-day training programme was organised for 40 rangers, scouts and technical experts on marine and coastal protection, gender and human rights. The participants consisted of representatives from the beach section units as well as the wildlife authority, fisheries authority, coast guard and forestry authority. The training was conducted jointly with the Kwale district, CORDIO and GIZ and, in addition to technical topics, also aimed to promote closer cooperation between the various organisations.
• Collaboration with the community-based organisation Mikoko Pamoja, the world's first organisation to develop a blue carbon project under the voluntary carbon market. The collaboration provides for the implementation of mangrove conservation and restoration.
• Strengthening the community-based organisations Mikoko Pamoja and Vanga Blue Forest, which are committed to mangrove protection.
• Conducting a study on the potential of blue carbon and sustainable fisheries in Kwale County by the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI). It analyses the potential for sustainable use of blue carbon and small-scale fisheries as elements of payment for environmental service.
• An intensive, one-year training and mentoring program for beekeepers in Kwale and Tanga supports 56 people, including 21 women, to strengthen their skills and abilities in honey production and marketing and to act as multipliers.
• In order to better integrate and strengthen the position of the local population living in the vicinity of the transboundary marine conservation approach, the project has organized information events in all affected communities and documented their common positions. Elected representatives of these communities will contribute these positions to the TBACA multi-stakeholder processes and actively participate in the negotiation process as an active party.

Tanzania:

• The project was officially launched in Tanzania on 20. November 2024 with the participation of important government representatives.
• The project participated in a workshop to validate the revised beach management units (BMU) guidelines for Tanzania in February 2025 and facilitated the participation of ten BMU members.
• A task force was set up to draw up the General Management Plan for the RUMAKI UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, to which GIZ is a member.