Restoring Kenya’s Wetlands: How Hearts of Green Is Reviving Ecosystems From Urban Spaces to the Coast

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, filtering water, buffering floods, storing carbon, and supporting biodiversity and livelihoods. However, across Kenya, these vital landscapes are facing increasing pressures from urban expansion, pollution, and climate change.

At Hearts of Green, wetland restoration is a fundamental part of our Landscape Repair and Transformation (LANSRET) approach. We are revitalizing degraded wetlands—ranging from Nairobi’s urban ecosystems to Kenya’s mangrove-rich coastline—through community-led initiatives, strategic partnerships, and long-term monitoring.

Reviving Urban Wetlands Through Community Action

One of our flagship inland wetland initiatives took place at Ondiri Wetlands, where Hearts of Green collaborated with local partners to restore degraded areas using nature-based solutions.

In this effort, community members planted:
🌱 1,200 bamboo saplings to stabilize soils and protect water edges
🌳 1,000 indigenous tree seedlings to enhance native biodiversity

These species were carefully selected to strengthen the resilience of the wetland, improve water quality, and promote long-term ecological balance.

Urban wetlands are often the first to disappear, yet they are essential for flood control, clean water, and the regulation of microclimates. Our work at Ondiri demonstrates how local action can reverse environmental degradation when communities are empowered and supported.

World Wetlands Day: Protecting the “Kidneys of the Earth”

Every year on February 2nd, the global community observes World Wetlands Day, a reminder of the vital role that wetlands play in sustaining life.

In 2026, Hearts of Green partnered with the Wangari Maathai Institute under the LANSRET program to engage in a hands-on restoration exercise at Dik Dik Gardens. Alongside partners such as the National Environment Management Authority and the Nairobi County Government, the community planted trees to rehabilitate this important urban wetland.

Beyond planting trees, the event focused on several key elements:

• Environmental education
• Long-term protection of wetlands
• Community ownership of restored spaces

As our Head of Programs reminded participants, small actions, when taken consistently and collectively, can lead to lasting environmental transformation.

Restoring Coastal Ecosystems Through Mangrove Rehabilitation

Wetland restoration initiatives by Hearts of Green go beyond freshwater systems; they also encompass the delicate yet vital mangrove forests along Kenya’s coastline.

🌿 Mwache Creek Restoration
At Mwache Creek, Hearts of Green partnered with the Wangari Maathai Institute and the Coast Development Authority to restore degraded mangrove areas through community planting efforts. This initiative has strengthened shoreline protection, supported fish breeding habitats, and increased climate resilience for surrounding communities.

🌱 Mida Creek Mangrove Program
Previous efforts at Mida Creek in Kilifi County saw Hearts of Green collaborate with Platinum Credit Kenya and local Community Forest Associations to plant 1,000 mangrove seedlings under the Adopt a Tree program. Mangroves are essential for:

• Absorbing carbon at rates much higher than most forests
• Protecting coastlines from erosion and storm surges
• Supporting fisheries and coastal livelihoods

Every seedling planted is an investment in climate resilience, food security, and biodiversity.

Across Kenya, wetlands are disappearing faster than they can naturally recover. When wetlands are lost, communities face several challenges:

• Increased flooding
• Water scarcity and pollution
• Declining fish stocks and biodiversity
• Greater vulnerability to climate change

Hearts of Green focuses not only on planting but also on long-term care, monitoring, community stewardship, and data-driven restoration through LANSRET.

Partner With Us to Scale Impact

Our wetland and mangrove restoration efforts demonstrate that:

✅ Community-driven conservation is effective
✅ Strategic partnerships accelerate our impact
✅ Nature-based solutions build long-term resilience

Together, We Can Restore Kenya’s Lifelines

Join us in repairing landscapes and securing a sustainable future—one wetland at a time.