Lamu Environment Foundation

🌊🐢 Clean beach? Yes. But we’re going bigger. The Kizingo Beach Clean up Project in Kipungani has always been about restoring the true face of our beach. But today, we want to share an even bigger story. Thanks to the investments from our local stakeholders hotels, guesthouses, eco-lodges, and residents of Kizingo @lamcot_lamu (Lamu Marine Conservation Trust) has expanded its mission. Your contributions do not just fund cleanups. What your support funds: ✅ Turtle Watch – stop illegal catching ✅ Nest protection – more babies to the sea ✅ 1,380 kg of plastic & flip‑flops gone (Jan–Apr alone!) Now the fun part 🎉 We’re training rangers on EarthRanger – a mobile app that works offline in the bush. 📊 Records turtle nests & threats instantly 🎯 Sends patrols where they’re needed most 🤝 No more radio tag – whole team knows in real time Translation: Smarter work, safer turtles, cleaner beach. And you made it happen. 💪🏾 Want to join the movement? 👉 Donate (monthly, one‑off, or gear): 🔗 /donate/ #KizingoProject #LaMCoT #EarthRanger #TurtleWatch #DataDrivenConservation

🐢 Why We Show Up: A Month on Kizingo Project - Kipungani This January, our partner@lamcot_lamu removed 541 kilograms of marine debris from Kizingo Beach. Plastic, glass, and discarded footwear washed in by currents, left by human hands. The work isn’t glamorous. Early mornings. Night patrols in darkness. But here’s what keeps them going: • Documenting injured green turtles for KWS • Staying with stranded dolphins • Learning where debris collects and where nests are most at risk This is what conservation looks like: persistent presence, not perfect solutions. Lamu holds some of East Africa’s most critical sea turtle nesting grounds. Every kilo removed is one less hazard. Every patrol is a deterrent. You can be part of this. Grassroots conservation depends on people who believe showing up matters. Your contribution funds patrols, cleanups, documentation and many other conservation effort at the grass root level. 👉 Support directly: /donate/ Thank you to LaMCoT for walking the beaches and @kenyawildlifeservice Lamu for partnership. The coastline remains. So do they. #MarineConservation #Lamu #SeaTurtles #OceanCleanup #KizingoProject #ProtectOurOceans #CommunityConservation

🌊 2025 in Review: The Kizingo Beach Restoration Project 🌊 Last year marked a turning point for Kizingo Beach. Through unwavering community effort and strategic partnership with @lamcot_lamu , we didn't just clean a shoreline we catalyzed an ecological and economic revival. ✅ By The Numbers: 1. 6,461 kg of waste removed from our coast. 2. 4,161 kg of plastic rescued and fed into our local circular economy. 3. Four (4) Sea Turtle Nests recorded for the first time in years—a powerful sign of habitat recovery. This success was built on a community-first model. Every role, from turtle ranger to beach cleaner, was filled by Kipungani residents, ensuring lasting stewardship and local economic benefit. In 2025, we listened, adapted, and elevated our approach. Partnering with LaMCoT, we redesigned operations for maximum transparency and scientific rigor, implementing: 🔬 The Earth Ranger App for precise wildlife monitoring. 📈 Daily cleaning protocols and data-driven monthly reports. 🤝 Active stakeholder engagement via supervisory visits and real-time communication. We also deepened our impact through community-led action and training: 🐢 Held community engagement forums in Kipungani to raise awareness on turtle protection and coastal stewardship. 📱 Conducted specialized training with @Baharaihai for our turtle rangers and beach cleaners, covering: 1. Nest and bycatch protocols 2. GPS and mobile monitoring app use 3. Turtle sighting reporting 4. Soil testing and temperature logger deployment These efforts strengthened local capacity and ensured our conservation approach was both scientific and sustainable. A huge thank you to our donors, dedicated local team, our partners at @lamcot_lamu , Baharihai, and every supporter who made this possible. Your commitment is rebuilding not just an ecosystem, but a sustainable future for Kipungani. Here’s to building on this foundation in 2026! #KizingoBeach #ImpactReport2025 #CommunityConservation #CircularEconomy #SeaTurtleRecovery #PlasticAction #LamuEnvironment #LaMCoT #Baharihai #TurtleConservation #CommunityTraining #SustainableDevelopment #KenyaCoast

A single thread entangles, but together we weave a lifeline! 🪢. Get ready for the incredible story of Safari Kiunga, the hawksbill turtle whose rescue mission showcases the power of collaboration! 🐢💫 The adventure began when @lamuenvironment project partner @baharimoja supported by @depechemode @hublot & @conservationcollectiveorg leaped into action during a beach patrol in Mkokoni. There she was: a young turtle, trapped in a drag-net and fighting for her life! What happened next? A conservation relay like no other! 🏁 ✅ Bahari Moja swift rescue. ✅ Lightning coordination with @localoceanco & @kenyawildlifeservice (KWS) Mkokoni. ✅ Critical care & rehydration by @lamcot_lamu ✅ And a breathtaking airlift to safety, courtesy of the amazing @flysafarilink Her name? Safari Kiunga inspired by the seamless, journey like effort that brought her to safety! And the best part? Today, Safari Kiunga is thriving! After a successful operation at @localoceanco , she’s swimming strong, wounds healed, and diving deep like she owns the pool! 🌊✨ This isn’t just a rescue it’s proof that when we unite, we turn despair into hope! Thank you to every hero in this story. You’ve shown the world what conservation in action truly looks like! #ConservationInAction #Teamwork #TurtleRescue #SafariTheTurtle #HopeForTheOcean #CommunityHeroes

🌿 Pioneering Smarter Conservation in Lamu Through Collaboration! 🌿 Today, the Lamu Environment Foundation (LEF) was proud to facilitate a dynamic learning exchange between two of our key conservation partners: @ulinziafricafoundation and the @lamcot_lamu . Driven by our mission to champion innovation, we organized this session to explore the integration of advanced technology in safeguarding our ecosystems. The focus was on the powerful Earth Ranger Application, a tool that Ulinzi Africa Foundation has masterfully used to record, analyze, and drive their anti-poaching efforts. It was inspiring to see LaMCoT, with its vital work in marine and terrestrial conservation, engage with this technology a significant step towards data-driven decision-making for Lamu's unique environment. The exchange was a resounding success, fostering a rich dialogue and a shared commitment to a united front for conservation. At LEF, we believe that linking efforts and leveraging modern tools is the future of protecting Lamu's natural heritage. This is how we build a sustainable, coordinated, and tech-enabled conservation landscape for our county. 🤝 #LamuEnvironmentFoundation #LEF #ConservationCollaboration #UlinziAfricaFoundation #LaMCoT #ConservationTechnology #EarthRanger #DataForGood #LamuCounty #WildlifeConservation #MarineConservation #InnovationForNature

Lamu Cultural Festival 2025 Ahead of the vibrant 2025 Lamu Cultural Festival, it was an honor for Lamu Environment Foundation (LEF) to join the Lamu County Government Department of Municipality and Department of Trade & Tourism for a productive beach clean-up exercise today! ♻️ The Lamu Cultural Festival (November 20th-25th) is a cornerstone of our local identity and economy. This magnificent event celebrates Lamu’s rich Swahili heritage, traditional dhow races, and authentic culture, attracting visitors from across the globe. This influx of tourism provides a vital boost to our local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to artisans and guides, supporting livelihoods across our community. As we prepare to welcome the world, let's also be mindful hosts to our environment. 🐢 We urge all community members and visitors celebrating with us: ✅ Please dispose of all waste ONLY in designated bins and sites. 🚫 Never throw litter on our beautiful beaches or into the ocean. A clean Lamu is a prosperous and healthy Lamu. Let's work together to keep our home pristine and protect the natural beauty that makes our festival and our island so special. #LamuCulturalFestival #KeepLamuClean #SustainableTourism #LEF #TurtleConservation @lamu_county2005

Collaboration in Action: Kizingo Site Visit Paves the Way for Success Post Content: A project is only as strong as the partnership behind it. That’s why today’s site visit in Kizingo was so important. The LEF and LaMCoT teams came together with the heart of the project the beach cleaners and turtle rangers to turn our redesigned plan into action. The agenda was clear and collaborative: 🐢 Aligning on Vision: We communicated the key changes to the project, focusing our cleanup efforts where the community can see them and ensuring direct, on-site oversight from LaMCoT. 🤝 Building Relationships: The LaMCoT team immersed themselves in the Kizingo area, strengthening ties with the people who make this work possible every day. 🎯 Solving Challenges: We listened to the cleaners' experiences to better understand and address the challenges they face, ensuring they have the support needed to succeed. This visit reaffirms our shared commitment to a successful project conclusion. A huge thank you to everyone involved for their dedication! The path ahead is clear, and we are ready to finish strong. #LamuEnvironmentFoundation #Kizingo #MarineConservation #CommunityFirst #ProjectRedesign #Impact #LaMCoT #TurtlesOfLamu

🌍 A Triumph for Mazingira Day! 🌊 This Mazingira Day, the Bahari Moja team, in partnership with Lamu Environment Foundation, turned commitment into concrete action! On 10th October 2025, our incredible force of volunteers descended upon Ashwei Beach in Mkokoni for a massive clean-up operation. The result? An incredible 1 TONNE of plastic waste collected and removed from our precious coastline, safeguarding marine life and preserving the natural beauty of Lamu. 📍 Location: Ashwei Beach, Mkokoni (a pristine stretch of approximately 1.5 km²). 💪 The Effort: Every single piece of plastic was collected and transported by hand, a true testament to the power of community spirit. This entire activity was powered solely by volunteerism. None of this would be possible without our dedicated partners and the unwavering support of our donor, Lamu Environment Foundation. A huge shoutout to our incredible partners on the ground: @KICOWA , @KWS , @BMUMKOKONI , @KTCG , and the mighty Mkokoni community. We are also grateful for the support from our global partners: @depechemode , @hublot , and @conservationcollectiveorg This is what community-driven conservation looks like! #BahariMoja #MazingiraDay #LamuEnvironmentFoundation #BeachCleanUp #PlasticFreeOceans #CommunityConservation #Kenya

🎭 A Standing Ovation for LATA! Celebrating a Win for Lamu's Creative Spirit! 🎭 The entire LEF team is bursting with pride to congratulate our incredible grantee, the @lamuartsandtheatre , on their brilliant win at the County Theater Fiesta 2025 (Lamu-Mombasa Edition)! 🏆 This victory is more than a trophy; it's a powerful testament to the vibrant talent of our youth. By showcasing Lamu's unique stories on a regional stage, LATA is putting our creative potential on the map and telling a new, positive story about our community. As a beacon for Lamu's youth, LATA uses the power of theater for education, social change, and cultural preservation. We are proud to have supported their foundational work through our grassroots grants, and seeing our partners thrive is why we do what we do. The Lamu team is coming together to cheer you on! We can't wait for the next round. The future of Lamu's arts scene is bright! ✨ Congratulations, LATA! Lamu is behind you all the way. #OurLamu #OurFuture #LEFLamu #LATA #CountyTheaterFiesta #CTF2025 #LamuArtists #TheatreForChange #YouthEmpowerment #KenyanTheatre #CulturalHeritage

🌟 HERstory in the Making: Women Leading Turtle Conservation in Kiunga! 🌟 This week, the Bahari Moja Project witnessed a miracle of nature: the successful hatching of a turtle nest that was carefully relocated to safety by our incredible all-women ground team! 🐢💙 This triumph isn't just a win for biodiversity; it's a powerful testament to the women at the heart of our conservation efforts. Meet the leaders: 👉 Amina Shali, our formidable Project Manager, whose vision and leadership steer the entire project. 👉 Salma Mohamed, affectionately known as "Mama Kasa", our lead turtle monitoring volunteer, whose dedication and traditional knowledge are invaluable. Under their guidance, local women are not just participating—they are leading the charge. They are the scientists monitoring nests, the guardians relocating eggs from dangerous beaches, and the first to witness the magical journey of hatchlings to the sea. Their work ensures that future generations will also experience the wonder of turtles in Kiunga. This is conservation in action, and it has a woman's face. This effort is proudly supported by the unique partnership between Collective Conservation, the iconic band Depeche Mode, and the Lamu Environment Foundation (LEF). Bahari Moja is one of only 14 global projects—and the only one in Africa—selected to create a lasting solution to plastic pollution. #WomenInConservation #TurtleConservation #BahariMoja #Kiunga #Leadership #AminaShali #MamaKasa #DepecheMode #CollectiveConservation #LamuEnvironmentFoundation #LEF #Kenya #Africa #MarineConservation #CommunityLed #Hope

🌍 LEF Advances Community-Led Climate Action in Lamu! 15th August 2025 - LEF actively participated in a strategic Social Accountability Engagement Meeting convened by Lamu Youth Alliance under the Triple Benefit Project, with support from WWF's FLLoCA Programme. What is FLLoCA? The Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme is a County Government of Lamu initiative, implemented by the ICT and Climate Change Department under the leadership of Acting Chief Officer Mr. Mohamed Dirie. Supported by the National Treasury and the World Bank, FLLoCA empowers Lamu's communities to drive climate resilience projects that reflect their priorities. Key Discussion Highlights: ✅ Transparency & Accountability: CSOs, Ward Administrators, and Climate Committees from Shella, Mkomani, and Hindi wards evaluated whether ongoing FLLoCA projects truly align with community needs. ✅ Community-Led Development: Emphasis on ensuring projects deliver tangible impact for Lamu's people and ecosystems. ✅ Milestone Achieved: Formation of a Social Accountability Committee (with LEF's Project Officer as a member!) to monitor project implementation and uphold agreed values. Ongoing & Proposed FLLoCA Projects in Lamu: 🌿 Green Park Development in Hindi Ward – Creating eco-friendly public spaces. 💧 Sustainable Water Access – Ensuring reliable water sources for vulnerable communities. 🐄 Vaccination of Domestic Animals Across All 10 Wards – Improving animal health and reducing disease transmission. 🌊 Restoration of Lake Kenyatta – Reviving critical freshwater ecosystems. This marks a critical step forward in ensuring Lamu's communities have a voice in climate action and that resources translate into real, lasting change. 🔗 Stay tuned for updates as we work together for a #ClimateResilientLamu! #FLLoCA #CommunityFirst #ClimateJustice #LEFInAction

🌊 Kiunga Beach Clean-Up – 12th August 2025 🌿 On 12th August, the people of Kiunga united to clean their coastline, removing waste to protect marine life and their livelihoods. 📍 Where is Kiunga? A small coastal town at the northern tip of Lamu County, bordering Somalia, Kiunga is home to a vibrant fishing community and pristine marine habitats. Much of the fish enjoyed in Lamu, Mombasa, and even Nairobi comes from here. By keeping beaches clean, they ensure fish remain free from harmful microplastics safeguarding both the environment and public health. 🐟 💚 Resilience Despite Challenges Facing insecurity, limited jobs, high transport costs, and geographic isolation, Kiunga’s people still volunteer their time and energy. This clean-up had no sponsors only dedication, unity, and a deep love for their home. ⚓ Sustainable Fishing The Kiunga community practices sustainable fishing to protect fish stocks and marine ecosystems. They urge all visiting fishermen to respect these practices protecting the waters that feed so many. 🤝 Coordinated by: @LamuYouthAssembly • @KiungaBeachManagementUnit • @KenyaWildlifeService • @KenyaPolice • @KiungaCommunityWildlifeAssociation • @KenyaForestService • @FazaYouthActionGroup • @KiungapublicHealthOffice • @AdministrationOffice (Area Chief Abubakar Kuchi) • @WorldClimateChange Programme • Wazee wa Nyumba Kumi Initiative. 🗣 “The ocean begins with us — protecting it begins with Kiunga.” #KiungaStrong #BeachCleanup #SustainableFishing #LamuCounty #MarineProtection #CommunityAction #ProtectOurOceans