Kiunga Marine Community Conservancy (KICOCO) is a community-led conservation initiative located in Lamu County, at the northernmost part of the Kenyan coast, bordering Somalia. It operates over an area of approximately 72,000 hectares 1 in Kiunga ward, complementing the work of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) within the Kiunga Marine National Reserve (KMNR) and parts of the Dodori National Reserve.
KICOCO is one of the forty-three (43) community conservancies under the umbrella of the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT).
Key aspects of the Kiunga Marine Community Conservancy:
- Establishment: KICOCO was established to improve the livelihoods of the local community through conservation and the sustainable use of natural resources.
- Governance: It is a community conservancy, meaning the local people play a central role in its management and decision-making processes.
- Location: Situated in a biologically rich area encompassing diverse coastal ecosystems, including:
- Coral reefs
- Mangroves (the largest mangrove stand in Kenya, with trees reaching up to 30 meters)
- Seagrass beds
- Sand dunes and beaches
- Sand islands and raised reef islands
- Mudflats and lagoons
- Conservation Focus: KICOCO’s primary goals include:
- Preserving coral reefs, marine life, and critical nesting sites for biodiversity.
- Protecting threatened marine mammals like the dugong and sea turtles (green, hawksbill, olive ridley, loggerhead, and leatherback).
- Conserving significant bird populations, including large nesting colonies of seabirds and internationally important numbers of Crab Plover and Roseate Tern.
- Addressing threats to the marine environment, such as illegal fishing practices and plastic pollution.
- Community Involvement: Empowering local communities through conservation efforts is a core principle. This involves:
- Creating employment opportunities in conservation and eco-tourism.
- Promoting sustainable fishing practices.
- Supporting community development projects.
- Innovative Sustainability Programs: KICOCO implements various initiatives, such as:
- Fishing Gear Exchange Programs: Encouraging fishermen to trade destructive nets for sustainable fishing gear.
- Ocean Plastic Collection and Recycling: Engaging local women’s groups to collect and recycle plastic, making eco-bricks and crafts. The “Bahari Moja Project” is a local initiative focused on this.
- Artificial Coral Reef Restoration: Working to restore damaged reef areas to enhance fisheries and improve marine ecosystem health.
- Community-Based Sea Turtle Conservation: Scouts monitor sea turtle populations, record sightings, and protect nesting sites.
- Tourism: Visitors can enjoy various activities within the Kiunga area, including:
- Scuba diving and snorkeling on the coral reefs.
- Sunbathing on the beaches.
- Water skiing.
- Mangrove tours.
- Bird watching.
The Kiunga Marine Community Conservancy plays a crucial role in safeguarding a significant portion of Kenya’s northern coastline and its rich marine biodiversity while actively involving and benefiting the local communities.
