GiftTrees Partners with Naturehub Collective for 2026: Empowering Women to Restore Kenya’s Mangroves

GiftTrees Partners with Naturehub Collective for 2026: Empowering Women to Restore Kenya’s Mangroves

Coastal ecosystems are critical for biodiversity, livelihoods, and climate resilience. In 2026, GiftTrees is expanding its impact in Kenya through a new partnership that combines mangrove restoration with women-led economic empowerment, demonstrating how environmental recovery and community development can advance together.

GiftTrees Partners With Naturehub Collective For 2026

We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Naturehub Collective for the 2026 Mangrove Revival: Kidongo Women Leading Kenya’s Coastal Restoration project.

Together, we will plant 100,000 mangrove trees across 16.7 hectares in Mtwapa Creek, Kilifi County, Kenya, combining ecosystem restoration with community empowerment.

Why Mangrove Restoration Matters In Mtwapa Creek

Mangroves are vital for coastal protection, marine biodiversity, and local livelihoods. However, Mtwapa Creek has lost around 40% of its mangroves over the past 20 years due to overharvesting, coastal development, and climate change.

This loss threatens the livelihoods of 8,000+ residents, particularly women who often rely on unsustainable charcoal production to make ends meet.

A Community-Led Solution With Lasting Impact

Our solution is simple but transformative:

Plant trees, restore ecosystems: 100,000 mangroves, including red, grey, and apple mangrove species, with a 90% survival target.
Empower women economically: 40+ women from the Kidongo community will lead restoration and manage a “Mangrove Gold” honey enterprise, boosting income by over 1,000% compared to previous casual labour.
Build lasting infrastructure: Five community-owned nurseries with a combined capacity of 125,000 seedlings will ensure ongoing restoration and income opportunities.

Environmental And Social Outcomes

The impact is profound:

Improved coastal protection, water quality, and fish populations
Sustainable incomes for women, enabling education, healthcare, and housing improvements
Strengthened community leadership in conservation

Funding, Delivery, And Long-Term Success

With a total project budget of $16,000, supported by GiftTrees, Ceiba Foundation, and local contributions, every dollar goes directly into planting, training, and livelihood development.

Our phased approach, from nursery setup to core planting, is aligned with Kenya’s rainy season to ensure maximum survival and long-term success.

Local Leadership At The Core

Leadership matters. The project is led by Fredrick Kioko Kilonzo of Naturehub Collective and the Kidongo Women’s Group, ensuring local ownership and expertise guide every step.

Conservation And Poverty Alleviation Together

This partnership proves that conservation and poverty alleviation are not competing priorities. They strengthen each other. When communities lead restoration with economic incentives, both the planet and its people thrive.

Stay tuned as we kick off this exciting project in January 2026, and follow the journey of these determined and resilient women restoring Kenya’s coast, one mangrove at a time.

Impact

GiftTrees Partners with Naturehub Collective for 2026: Empowering Women to Restore Kenya’s Mangroves

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