Kicking off June, CORDIO East Africa, in collaboration with Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), hosted the Kenya National Coral Reef Assessment (NCRA) Dissemination Workshop at the WRTI offices in Malindi. The workshop convened government agencies, researchers, conservation practitioners, community representatives, and marine protected area managers to discuss the NCRA findings, explore coral reef resilience, and examine how such research can inform policy development and strengthen marine resource management in Kenya.
Key discussions and takeaways highlighted on the following:
- Improved data sharing, harmonized monitoring protocols, and accessible information platforms to support management decisions.
- The importance of fish biomass, coral cover, and ecosystem resilience indicators in informing conservation and management actions.
- Stronger collaboration among researchers, county governments, communities, and conservation agencies.
- The use of science to guide marine spatial planning, sustainable fisheries management, and the implementation of global biodiversity targets.
A recurring theme throughout the workshop was the importance of turning data into action by ensuring that scientific assessments support practical management, policy development, ecosystem restoration, and community-led conservation.
As coastal ecosystems continue to face increasing pressures from climate change, coastal development, and resource use, strengthening partnerships and investing in resilient coral reef and seagrass ecosystems remains essential for sustaining biodiversity, fisheries, livelihoods, and the blue economy.
A huge thank you to all stakeholders who participated, including WRTI, KWS managers from Malindi, Watamu, Mombasa, Shimoni, and Kiunga Marine Parks and Reserves, KEFRI, Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) OFFICIAL, A Rocha Kenya, REEFolution Foundation, The Nature Conservancy in Africa, IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa ESARO, East African Wild Life Society, WWF-Kenya, Northern Rangelands Trust, LaMCoT, KMA, NEMA, Coastal and Marine Resources Development (COMRED), Researcher Dr.Benjamin Cowburn, and BMU representatives and network within the WIO LMMA Alliance. Special thanks to our donors, ReSea Project ESARO and the MSC Foundation. SEA and MSC- Foundation.
Source : CORDIO East Africa
