Women plant mangrove seedlings at Mida creek in Kilifi County, on July 28, 2025. [Marion Kithi, Standard] Today, the world marks the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem. Mangroves are unique ecosystems that thrive at the interphase between land and sea, forming unique forests along tropical and subtropical coastlines. In Kenya, these ecosystems play a vital role in protecting shorelines from erosion, supporting rich marine biodiversity, and acting as powerful carbon sinks that help mitigate climate change. Beyond their ecological value, mangroves are lifelines for millions, especially coastal and indigenous communities providing food, income, and cultural heritage. …