The Challenge
In the Shimoni-Vanga region of Kenya, local communities depend heavily on coastal and marine ecosystems for food, income, and cultural identity. However, overfishing, habitat degradation, climate change, and limited economic alternatives have compromised both environmental and human well-being. Fragmented data, weak enforcement, and traditional top-down management approaches have further hindered sustainable development.
The Project
GRID-Arendal, as part of a Norwegian partnership under the Ocean for Development Programme, is supporting Kenyan institutions led by the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) to strengthen sustainable blue food systems in the Shimoni-Vanga region. From 2025 to 2028, the programme will enhance local fisheries, mariculture, blue carbon conservation, and post-harvest food safety while informing the region's marine spatial planning.
Our Transformative Approach
GRID-Arendal contributes expertise in environmental storytelling, ocean literacy, and socio-economic valuation. We are:
Co-developing policy and communication tools that support the implementation of a Sustainable Ocean Plan for Shimoni-Vanga.
Supporting the valuation of blue carbon and blue food value chains to inform Kenya's pilot ocean accounting efforts.
Facilitating knowledge exchange and ocean literacy through creative methods, including local storytelling and participatory workshops.
Engaging in regional and transboundary dialogues to scale best practices and foster inclusive marine governance.
Why It Matters
This work contributes to resilient livelihoods, enhanced food security, and stronger climate adaptation in a region where marine biodiversity and human well-being are closely intertwined. By integrating local knowledge with scientific data and policy tools, GRID-Arendal helps ensure that development in coastal Kenya is both sustainable and equitable.
Region: East Africa (Shimoni-Vanga, Kenya)
