Greening the Coastline: A Day at Mida Creek
Activity Type: Local Partnership Enhancement
Activity Name: Tree Seedling Donation and Planting – 3,000 Mangrove Trees
Date Held: 17 May 2025
Location: Sita-Mida Creek Conservation Community, Watamu, Kilifi – Kenya
On 17th May 2025, the beautiful coastline of Mida Creek came alive with action, purpose, and muddy hands. What started as a Tree Seedling Donation and Planting exercise blossomed into a day of learning, collaboration, and fun leaving behind 3,000 new mangrove seedlings and countless smiles.
The objectives guiding the day were simple but powerful:
- Promote climate change mitigation in the blue economy and environmental conservation.
- Support biodiversity by providing natural habitats and breeding grounds for marine species.
- Engage the community in sustainable practices, raising awareness and promoting long-term conservation.
Who Was Present
The event brought together a rich mix of stakeholders and partners, including:
- Mida Creek Conservation Community
- KOICA Kenya Officials
- KOICA Alumni Kenya Chapter (KAKC) Executive Committee Members
- National Museums of Kenya
- Kenya Forest Services
- Kenya Wildlife Services
- Kenya Red Cross Services
Each group played a vital role, showcasing the power of partnerships in tackling environmental challenges.
Activities of the Day
- Mangrove Planting Exercise
Participants enthusiastically planted 3,000 seedlings along the Sita-Mida Creek shoreline. With muddy feet and determined hands, the teams worked side by side — a true symbol of community-driven conservation. - Environmental Awareness & Education Sessions
The Director General of the National Museums of Kenya and the Forest Manager led engaging talks. They highlighted the vital role of mangroves in coastal protection, climate resilience, and marine biodiversity. - Practical Training on Mangrove Planting
A hands-on training session ensured participants knew the best techniques — from proper spacing and depth to species placement. This practical guidance means the seedlings planted will thrive for years to come. - Media & Visibility
The event received strong local media coverage, while real-time social media updates and a lively post-event recap video helped spread the story far beyond Watamu. The buzz inspired awareness and action across a wider audience. - Partnerships in Action
Collaboration was at the heart of the event. The National Museums of Kenya contributed 1,500 seedlings and joined the planting. The Kenya Red Cross provided volunteers and on-site first aid, ensuring safety throughout the day. These partnerships amplified both the scale and professionalism of the exercise.
More Than Just Planting Trees
By the close of the day, we had not only planted mangroves but also deepened bonds among communities, partners, and conservation champions. Together, we nurtured knowledge, strengthened resilience, and took one more step toward safeguarding Kenya’s blue economy.
Mida Creek now carries 3,000 new mangrove seedlings — each one a living testament to what we can achieve when we act together for the planet