Investigating Locally Managed Marine Areas In The West Indian Ocean.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Exploring Marine Conservation in Kenya

2. A Hands-On Look at Conservation in Kilifi

3. Snorkeling at Mwamba Tasi: A Wake-Up Call

4. The Role of Education Through Art in Kenya

5. Frequently Asked Questions

6. From Flip-Flops to Food Security

7. Conclusion: Why Community-Based Conservation Matters

   
   

Introduction: Exploring Marine Conservation in Kenya

As an intern at Ocean Sole, I’ve had the opportunity to witness first-hand how grassroots efforts in marine conservation in Kenya are making real, visible change. From upcycled flip flop art to ocean plastic recycling projects, the organization approaches sustainability in creative, community-driven ways.

Recently, I had the chance to join our Kilifi team on the coastline — where conservation, community, and culture meet — to investigate how Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) are reshaping how we protect marine life in the West Indian Ocean.

Getting ready to explore Mwamba Tasi — what can snorkeling reveal about the health of coral reefs?

Mwamba wa tasi - the inshore reef where numerous living coral heads and schools of fish can be found.

A Hands-On Look at Conservation in Kilifi

Our work in Kilifi goes beyond art — it dives deep (literally) into environmental action. I joined the team on various community-based conservation efforts, including beach cleanups and educational outreach programs aimed at increasing awareness around flip flop pollution solutions.

While in Kilifi, I was fortunate to act as a kind of eco-tourist, joining a snorkeling expedition to one of the most ecologically rich regions on the coast: Mwamba Tasi.

Snorkeling at Mwamba Tasi: A Wake-Up Call

The underwater world at Mwamba Tasi is both stunning and sobering. As we snorkeled through the clear waters, we observed thriving marine life: colorful coral, sea urchins, small fish, and even an octopus hiding in the reef.

Thriving coral ecosystems like this one are what locally managed marine areas aim to protect — but they’re under increasing threat.

Symbiotic relationship between stunning green Sea Anemone and Black Clown fish. The Clown Fish receive protection from predators in exchange for providing the Anemone with food (fish waste) and parasite removal.

Resilient Porites coral 💪🪸 — this healthy giant survived the recent bleaching event and still thrives at Mwamba wa Tasi. We're happy to find many of these strong, slow-growing corals during our snorkel survey!

Healthy, large foliose coral colony 🌿🪸 — not the biggest we spotted during our snorkel, but definitely the best visibility for a clear photo! A stunning example of nature's architecture at Kwa Chambo reef.

But not everything was alive and well.

Many coral structures were bleached or dying, entangled in discarded fishing nets or suffering from the invisible impact of overfishing. I learned that when key marine species are overharvested, coral reefs lose the very creatures that help them stay alive — leading to a collapse in the ecosystem.

This is what happens when ecosystems are unbalanced — dying coral overrun by algae due to overfishing and pollution. What can we do to reverse it?

A reef suffocated in silence — this once-living coral now lies dead, choked by a ghost net abandoned at sea. A haunting reminder that what we leave behind in the ocean doesn’t disappear — it strangles life.

The lesson? Marine conservation cannot exist without education, enforcement, and community involvement.

The Role of Education Through Art in Kenya

Back on land, Ocean Sole continues its mission through education through art in Kenya. Sculptures made from sustainable art from waste — mainly old flip-flops — serve as conversation starters in schools and public spaces.

From pollution to purpose — Ocean Sole transforms discarded flip-flops into sustainable art that educates and inspires action.

Shop Our Art ~ Support our Impact!

These vibrant pieces don’t just raise awareness. They represent a real-world solution: turning trash into treasure through social enterprise in Kenya. This model creates jobs, inspires learning, and shows that creativity and conservation can go hand in hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a locally managed marine area?

Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) are coastal zones managed by local communities in partnership with organizations and governments. These areas are often protected from fishing or development, allowing ecosystems to recover and thrive naturally.

In Kenya, LMMAs are becoming vital to restoring marine biodiversity. Our Kilifi team works closely with such communities to ensure food security, protect coral reefs, and empower locals to become stewards of the sea.

When these communities understand the long-term benefits — and see them firsthand — they become powerful advocates for conservation.

What areas were connected by the Indian Ocean Maritime System ?

The Indian Ocean maritime system was one of the world’s oldest and most significant trade routes, dating back over 5,000 years. It connected East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, South Asia (India and Sri Lanka), and Southeast Asia — including key port cities in modern-day Kenya, Tanzania, Oman, India, Indonesia, and China.

These routes facilitated not just the exchange of goods like spices, textiles, and ivory, but also the spread of cultures, religions, and maritime knowledge. Today, many of these historically linked regions are working together on marine conservation and sustainable ocean management, especially through Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs).

What countries are in the western Indian Ocean region ?

The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) region includes the coastal and island nations along the eastern side of Africa and nearby island territories. Key countries and territories include:

• Kenya

• Tanzania

• Mozambique

• Somalia

• South Africa (eastern coast)

• Comoros

• Madagascar

• Mauritius

• Seychelles

These countries share marine ecosystems and collaborate through initiatives like the WIO Marine Science Association (WIOMSA) and various community-based conservation projects, including LMMAs, to protect marine biodiversity and support coastal livelihoods.

What is the biodiversity of the West Indian Ocean ? 

The West Indian Ocean is a biodiversity hotspot, home to thousands of marine species — many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. This region includes:

• Over 2,200 species of fish

• More than 350 coral species

• Endangered marine turtles, including the green and hawksbill turtles

• Marine mammals like dolphins and whales

• Mangrove forests and seagrass meadows that are crucial for carbon storage and fish nurseries

Unfortunately, this biodiversity is under threat due to overfishing, coral bleaching, plastic pollution, and climate change. That’s why Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) and community-based conservation efforts in Kenya and beyond are essential. They offer place-based solutions that protect ecosystems while supporting local communities.

From Flip-Flops to Food Security

Ocean Sole’s work doesn’t stop at the shore.

Through CSR environmental partnerships, companies can engage with our mission by funding cleanups, supporting local artisans, or gifting eco-conscious corporate gifts made from reclaimed ocean plastic.

These partnerships don’t just boost sustainability metrics — they support real people and protect real ecosystems. By supporting ocean plastic recycling projects, partners contribute to a ripple effect of environmental change.

Conclusion: Why Community-Based Conservation Matters

My internship at Ocean Sole has taught me that meaningful change happens when communities are empowered, educated, and equipped with the tools they need. Flip flop pollution solutions are just the beginning — the real impact comes from shifting how people see the ocean and their role in protecting it.

Whether through marine conservation in Kenya, sustainable art from waste, or community-driven marine management, Ocean Sole proves that creativity and conservation can build a better future — one reef, one flip-flop, and one conversation at a time.

Support Our Cause