Context
The mangrove ecosystem is at the interface between freshwater arrivals and seawater. It is one of the most productive and rich ecosystems on the planet. It provides a vast number of services and benefits to local populations in the coastal area, and to the global environment. It is estimated that between 1985 and 2009, Kenya lost more than 20% of its mangrove cover, mainly due to human activity. The "Mikoko" project aims to respond to the Kenyan government's challenge of managing the Kenyan mangrove, a "strategic" ecosystem for climate change adaptation, biodiversity protection, and economic development of the coastal region.

About the Project
Mikoko main objective is to undertake priority research, training and knowledge dissemination activities aiming at improving the restoration and conservation of mangrove forests. Further, Mikoko will support socio-economic well-being and environmental sustainability of mangroves especially in the context of climate change. Through capacity building activities, Mikoko also aims to reinforce Kenya Forest Service (KFS) in forest management and conservation while promoting enlightened eco-tourism.

Justification
The mangrove forest is the carbon stock and biodiversity nest the most threatened by the cross-impacts of climate change, namely the sea level rising, climatic extreme events and socio-economic (coastal development, agriculture, and reduction of freshwater inputs) uses. Ecosystem services rendered to people by the mangrove are then directly affected: fishing, nesting of many fish species, access to firewood, tourism, education, research, protection and stabilization of the coast, fixation of pollutants, and climate mitigation with atmospheric carbon storage. To mitigate the harmful humans’ activities on mangrove and enhance its conservation, it is necessary to have a better understanding and management of this fragile environment.

Expected Results
Strengthening research, higher education and training capacities on Kenyan Mangrove ecosystems, mapping mangrove and monitoring forest evolution, collaborative platform and smartphone applications to support resources assessment and species identification. Improving the National capacities to implement an integrated management of mangrove forests.