Community Action for Nature Conservation

23/09/2026

Strengthening Wildlife Data for Better Conservation Decisions

CANCO participated in the Kenya National Wildlife Database Development Stakeholder Engagement held at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) in Malindi.

The engagement brought together government institutions, research institutions, academia, conservation organisations and other stakeholders involved in generating, managing and using wildlife and ecosystem data.

The National Wildlife Database is being developed to support the implementation of Article 60 of the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, Cap. 376. It seeks to centralise wildlife information, strengthen research and data management, improve reporting under national and international frameworks, and address fragmentation of wildlife and ecosystem data across institutions.

A key focus of the engagement was ensuring that coastal and marine ecosystems are adequately represented in the database. Participants highlighted gaps in the availability and representation of coastal and marine biodiversity data, including information on ecosystem diversity, ecological importance and specific threats.

The engagement also underscored the importance of bringing more resource users and community knowledge holders into the process. Small-scale fishers, Beach Management Units, Community Forest Associations and other resource-user groups generate valuable knowledge that can help ensure the database reflects realities on the ground.

CANCO welcomes continued stakeholder engagement to strengthen the database and ensure that coastal and marine biodiversity is visible, well documented and effectively integrated into national wildlife information systems.

23/09/2026

🌊 SENATE MASHINANI @ Kilifi County

Bringing community voices into the conversation on fisheries, livelihoods and access to coastal resources.

On 22 September, our Mombasa team participated in the Senate Mashinani Programme in Kilifi County, with the stakeholder engagement held at Kilifi Central Beach Management Unit (BMU).The engagement brought together Senators, Kilifi County officials, Beach Management Units, small-scale fishers, fish traders and women’s groups to discuss issues affecting fishing communities, the sustainability of fisheries investments and the effective management of community facilities.

🏛️ Joint Senate Oversight
The Standing Committee on Land, Environment and Natural Resources, chaired by Sen. Mohamed Faki, the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, chaired by Sen. Wafula Wakoli and the Standing Committee on Energy, chaired by Sen. William Kisang, conducted a joint oversight visit to the Kilifi Central Fish Landing Site.

🎣 Main issues raised
The main issues raised included;
• The welfare of small-scale fishers
• Lack of tenure security for fish landing sites
• Restricted access to some landing sites due to encroachment by private developers

These concerns speak directly to the ability of fishing communities to access, use and benefit from spaces that are critical to their livelihoods.

📌 A commitment for follow-up
In response, the Senate Committee on Land and Natural Resources directed the Kilifi County Department responsible for lands to provide a list of landing sites affected by encroachment or land grabbing for further follow-up at the Senate level.
The engagement therefore provided an important opportunity to raise community concerns directly with decision-makers, establish channels for continued engagement and strengthen advocacy around secure access to fish landing sites and the protection of community fishing spaces.

🤝 Community voices matter. Meaningful participation must translate into action and accountability.

Senate of the Republic of KenyaParliament of KenyaKilifi County Government

31/08/2026

03/08/2026

Building stronger partnerships for sustainable fisheries! 🌊

Take a look at highlights from CANCO's two-day session with the Malindi–Magharini Joint Beach Management Unit Committee, where BMU leaders, Kilifi County fisheries officials, and the Kenya Fisheries Service came together to strengthen coordination, leadership, and collaborative management under the Joint Co-Management Area (JCMA).

Strong institutions. Strong partnerships. Sustainable fisheries.

03/08/2026

Strengthening Collaborative Fisheries Governance

On 28th and 29th July, we facilitated a two-day capacity-strengthening session for the Malindi–Magharini Joint Beach Management Unit Committee (JBC) in Malindi.

The session focused on strengthening the Joint BMU Committee's understanding of its coordination mandate under the Joint Co-Management Area (JCMA). Participants explored their role in providing strategic leadership, enhancing coordination among member Beach Management Units (BMUs), and supporting the effective implementation of the JCMA Management Plan for sustainable fisheries management.

The session brought together members of the Joint BMU Committee alongside officers from the Kilifi County Directorate of Fisheries, the Director of Fisheries, Kilifi County, and the Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS), fostering collaboration between community institutions and government agencies.
Strong co-management institutions are essential for protecting marine resources, improving fisheries governance, and securing sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.

Together, we are building stronger partnerships for sustainable fisheries and resilient coastal ecosystems.

30/07/2026

🌿 Celebrating World Mangrove Day 2026! 🌍💚
To mark World Mangrove Day, we joined the Tuhifadhi Women Self-Help Group in Ngomeni, Kilifi County to champion community-led mangrove restoration.
Together, we planted 1,047 mangrove seedlings, contributing to healthier coastal ecosystems, stronger climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.
Mangroves are more than trees they protect our shorelines, provide critical breeding grounds for fish, store carbon, and support the livelihoods of thousands of coastal families.
A heartfelt thank you to the Tuhifadhi Women Self-Help Group and all community members who continue to lead the way in restoring and protecting our precious mangrove ecosystems. Together, we are building a greener, more resilient future for our oceans and communities.
🌱 Protect. Restore. Sustain.

30/07/2026

https://www.the-star.co.ke/counties/coast/2026-07-30-how-kilifi-villagers-are-reviving-livelihoods-through-mangroves

Commercial logging of mangroves caused destruction of many livelihoods

17/07/2026

Beach Management Unit (BMU) leaders in Mombasa have received fresh training aimed at strengthening fisheries governance and promoting sustainable management of marine resources as part of efforts …

15/07/2026

BMU network

25/06/2026

🌍 World Environment Day 2026 | June 5
Theme: Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.

At CANCO, we believe that meaningful climate action begins with empowered communities.

On 5th June 2026, we joined the people of Jimbo Village Fish Landing Site, Vanga, Lungalunga Sub-County, Kwale County, to commemorate World Environment Day under the global theme, "Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future." The celebration provided an opportunity to reflect on the vital role that coastal communities play in protecting marine and coastal ecosystems while strengthening resilience to climate change.

The event brought together community members, local leaders, and partners in a shared commitment to:

🌊 Protect marine and coastal ecosystems
🌱 Promote sustainable fisheries and responsible natural resource management
♻️ Encourage environmental stewardship through collective local action
🤝 Strengthen community participation in conservation and climate resilience initiatives

Healthy oceans and healthy coastal environments are the foundation of thriving communities and sustainable livelihoods. As we celebrated World Environment Day, we reaffirm our commitment to working alongside communities to safeguard biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and build a more resilient future for generations to come.

Together, every action counts.