Coastal communities protest exclusion from marine research and conservation projects

Coastal communities protest exclusion from marine research and conservation projects

Coastal communities protest exclusion from marine research and conservation projects

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Residents along Kenya’s coast accuse researchers and organisations of excluding them from marine conservation projects and decision-making processes

Coastal communities living along Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline have raised concerns over continued exclusion from marine research and environmental conservation programmes, accusing some organisations and researchers of carrying out projects without adequately involving or benefiting residents.
Residents say that despite their long-standing role in protecting mangroves, coral reefs and fish breeding grounds, they are often left out of planning and implementation of conservation initiatives in their areas.
They further alleged that some external institutions benefit from marine-related research and funding, while host communities receive little or no direct returns.

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“We are the ones who live here and protect these resources every day, but when projects come, we are rarely involved in decision-making,” said Henry Kitsao, adding that consultations are often minimal or done as a formality.
Another resident warned that conservation efforts risk losing local support if exclusion continues. “We support conservation, but it must also support us. Otherwise, people will feel left out of something happening in their own land and sea,” he said.
The concerns were raised during the annual Environmental Media Dialogue, which brought together journalists, coastal communities, conservation practitioners and other stakeholders to discuss ocean governance and the sustainability of marine ecosystems.

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Participants at the forum called for a more inclusive approach that recognises coastal communities as equal partners in marine conservation.
They urged the government, development partners and research institutions to ensure projects deliver tangible benefits such as employment, skills transfer and community-led initiatives.
The dialogue also highlighted gaps in reporting on ocean affairs, with stakeholders noting that issues such as illegal fishing, marine pollution and climate change impacts receive limited media attention despite their importance to livelihoods and the blue economy.
Journalists were encouraged to give greater focus to marine and coastal stories to improve public awareness and strengthen accountability in the sector.

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