Kuruwitu Beach in Kenya is serene
The air is filled with the familiar aroma of sand and sea salt, and sparkling beaches contrast the pure blue water.
Ten years ago, locals were aware of the diminishing fish stocks and decided to establish a conservation reserve with the aid of like-minded partners.
Marine conservationist Dickson Gereza, who also serves as the coral project’s programme director, claims that human irresponsibility is the ocean’s deadliest threat.
“Although the ocean is a valuable resource, humans are destroying it.
To protect the ocean, it is crucial to properly dispose of trash.
The initial local coral protection initiative
Before the marine ecosystem was irreparably harmed, the community came to the realisation that overfishing, climate change, and unrestricted fish and coral collecting by the aquarium trade all required attention.
Residents of the region made the ground-breaking decision to designate a 30-hectare Marine Protected Area in 2005. (MPA).
This was Kenya’s first Locally Managed Marine Area (LMMA) based on coral. After twelve years, the area has recovered remarkably.
At the Oceans Alive Organization, conservationist Katana Hinzano participates in the creation of substitute coral blocks and nurseries using cement and sand.
He emphasises the link between the sea and human existence, saying, “Those who live nearby cherish the sea. Owners of fisheries and fishermen rely on marine resources.
To ensure that we enjoy the sea and preserve it for future generations, we must all play a part.
Fish have increased in number, size, and variety in the LMMA because to the ban on fishing.
There are now more fish outside the zone since the area has turned into a breeding habitat.
As a result, a spillover effect causes fisherman to catch more fish.
In parallel, there has been a significant increase in biodiversity, making Kuruwitu a popular ecotourism destination and generating employment for rangers, boat captains, and guides.
Environmentalist and honorary Kenya Wildlife Service guide Goodluck Mbaga claims, “The sea is valuable to me because it is life.”
It produces food, supports the economy, generates income, and offers leisure.
We all need to understand how to conserve the ocean because we haven’t fully utilised its potential.
Plastic mesh and a metal frame
Oceans Alive and Kuruwitu Conservation and Welfare Association experts collaborate to aid in coral regeneration.
A metal bed with plastic mesh attached to it serves as the foundation.
To build a kind of nursery, plugs made of cement and sand are dried and secured to the bed.
The bed is dumped into the seabed after having been in the sea for weeks to cure them.
Then, marine life has a chance to cling to the structure.
Ecosystem-based management of the region’s seascapes is anticipated to move toward co-management of marine resources.
The Go Blue Project was started by the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) and UN Habitat to support the growth of cities and towns near seas.
The Go Blue Project’s Florian Lux describes how this connection occurs: “Sea and landscapes are created as a result of cities and towns existing near to oceans and seas.
They must renew if they are to be robust in the face of climate change.