Youth at Dabaso village at Mida Creek Watamu, a small coastal town in Kenya north of Mombasa, have been fattening crabs, selling them to hotels, and educating residents about mangrove protection for nearly 20 years.

The youths were concerned about the rapid destruction of mangrove trees along the creeks. Poison and mosquito nets were utilised by communities to catch fish.

They set out on a journey to save the forest and combat unlawful fishing practises. However, experts told them that their efforts would not be sustainable unless the villagers had an alternative source of income. They began fattening crabs and selling them to hotels while educating locals about mangrove preservation.

Kenyan coastal youths restoring mangroves welcome the return of traditional specialties.

Listen to how the Dabaso Creek conservation group took advantage of the gorgeous sunset by constructing a boardwalk to educate people and groups about mangrove and crab farming, as well as why community ownership is essential for conservation.