Eco-Community Marine Education Centre – Tsunza, Kenya

### **🌍 The Problem** Tsunza is a small peninsula in Kwale County, Kenya, home to a vibrant yet vulnerable coastal community. The majority of residents rely on artisanal fishing and small-scale marine-based livelihoods. However, this way of life has come under threat due to a combination of human activities and climate change. Located near the rapidly expanding **Dongo Kundu Bypass**, the area has experienced widespread mangrove clearing, oil spills, sediment pollution, and damage to fish breeding grounds. These pressures, along with erratic weather, have led to declining fish catches, reducing food security and income for over 300 households. With limited formal employment options, many community members have turned to alternative livelihoods such as fish and crab farming, mangrove propagation, and beekeeping. While the bypass has created environmental challenges, the community also sees it as **a chance to attract partnerships and visitors through the new marine education centre.** ### **🌱 How the Project Started** Africa Climate and Environment Foundation initiated this project after recognizing the long-standing restoration and livelihood work already being done by Tsunza Fishpond CBO. Together, they established a **locally built Eco-Community Marine Education Centre**, which now serves as a hub for education, conservation, and sustainable income initiatives. ### **🧭 Key Activities** * Marine education for youth and schools * Community-led fish and prawn farming * Beekeeping for honey and pollination * Mangrove nursery development and reforestation * Cultural storytelling and digital archiving * Youth-guided eco-tourism through mangrove ecosystems **📸 Proof of Impact** This is a **living impact certificate**. The “Proof of Impact” section will be updated over time as activities continue. Updates will reflect progress shared by the community and partners, based on what is feasible to document throughout the project. **💬 How Support Is Used** Support helps fund training, restoration materials, educational programs, community operations, and maintenance of the centre. By contributing, you’re supporting a growing, community-led effort to restore ecosystems, strengthen local knowledge, and develop sustainable livelihoods- one step at a time.