A Formal Step Toward Mangrove Forest Restoration: ADK Meets KFS
“The Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr. Alex Lemarkoko, today met a delegation from Avatari Development Kenya (ADK), led by Mr. Bob Ghataaura, to discuss opportunities for conserving mangrove and terrestrial forests in support of carbon sequestration and climate resilience along Kenya’s coast.
Discussions centred on a proposed mangrove restoration initiative in Lamu and Tana River Counties. The CCF underscored the importance of the Climate Change Act 2023 in guiding carbon credit projects, particularly in ensuring equitable benefit sharing with local communities. He noted that Community Forest Associations (CFAs) remain central to forest conservation efforts and are key beneficiaries in such initiatives.
The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) reaffirmed its commitment to partnerships that enhance sustainable forest management and highlighted opportunities within the carbon market, as well as the ongoing 15 billion tree growing initiative, including support for seedling production through model nurseries.
Avatari Development outlined its focus on regenerative and nature-based development, including eco-infrastructure, blue carbon, and community-led restoration, with a commitment to restoring degraded coastal landscapes in partnership with KFS.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to undertake a feasibility study for the proposed project in Lamu and Tana River Counties.” ~ KFS
What a privilege to be part of the team that showcased Avatari Development's hard work! Having done the pre-feasibility study, "ground-truthing" site assessment & mapping. As well as preliminary stakeholder engagement. We are now officially, through the Kenya Forest Service, moving to the Feasibility stage with baselines (bio, social & carbon), restoration plan, pilot planting & ESIA upcoming.
After nearly a year of business in Kenya, we have learned goodwill is everything. So Asante Sana Kenya Forest Service for receiving us this morning, and for giving us plenty of guidance over these last few months. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.
Furthermore during Avatari's time in Kenya we have, with a lot of goodwill & assistance from others (Judith Okello, James Mburu,Rose Akombo (PhD) & Peter Sirayo, Mateus Mendesto name a few) developed the project from the beginning as well as: hired a team and set up a Kenyan company bank account & Ltd.
Furthermore, having already successfully fundraised for the feasibility with thanks to AVATARI INTERNATIONAL LLP, we are now pleased to be able to continue talks with investors & end buyers, as we are reaching the point where we can provide the all important data for forward offtakes / pre-selling.
Onwards and upwards!
