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Coastal and marine resources are considered ‘free-access’ and ‘for-use-by-all’. There however must be some form of management for us to continue enjoying the goods and services provided by these resources. The concept of common but differentiated responsibility is often exhibited by entities and individuals playing different roles to provide the needed information, and active involvement in sustainable utilization, management, and conservation efforts. Scientists, for example, spend years trying to generate scientific information to inform policy and practice. Policy makers on the other hand use the available information to develop appropriate frameworks that guide resource users. Onsite, there are individuals and organizations that are actively involved in management, production, restoration and monitoring the functioning of ecosystems in line with the generated scientific knowledge and policies. These efforts cascade down to a common goal of managing the natural resources for current and future generations, linked to national targets and global commitments thus calling for a shared vision and collaborative efforts.

The first step towards shared seascape management was taken in Kilifi County, Kenya, following a two-day dialogue by government agencies, local conservation groups and the private sector who deliberated on the need for concerted efforts for improved management of the coastal and marine resources within their geography. A Seascape Governance Working Group was then established in Kilifi County in response to this urgent need to enhance collaboration and consolidate conservation and management efforts within the county, to mitigate the effects of climate change while promoting sustainable use of natural resources.

The two-day dialogue held on 11th and 12th of April 2024, at Seven Island Resort in Watamu, Kenya, brought together County Government officials,  State Department for Wildlife, State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, government agencies such as Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Community Conservation Groups, Beach Management Units, Community Forest Associations, women's groups and the private sector such as the Kenya Association of Manufacturers. These stakeholders gathered to share existing governance measures in the Kilifi seascape and to deliberate on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges for such practices.

There are different resource-use patterns and needs in Kilifi North Seascape. The area hosts Watamu-Malindi Marine Park and Reserve and Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve, which have also been recognized as Man and Biosphere Reserves.

The seascape is an important fishing ground that significantly contributes to the national annual marine fish catch. Tourism, on the other hand, is a major economic activity employing thousands of people at different levels and across varying sectors. The seascape is however not spared from the threats from unsustainable resource extraction, increasing resource exploitation, changing climatic regimes, pollution, and conflicting policies and legal frameworks which are further compounded by the impacts of climate change.

There are different instruments and efforts guiding the management of fisheries, forests, parks and reserves but all geared towards a common goal. While these efforts have borne some fruit, they have left behind women, youth and the vulnerable populations who bear the brunt of the adverse effects of climate change. The Regenerative Seascapes for People, Climate and Nature (ReSea) Project seeks to address this by providing safe, open spaces for community leaders including women, youth and people left behind, to build a clear understanding of the opportunities, risks and processes involved in the management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs). The project aims to promote equitable, fair and inclusive seascape governance by giving a voice to all, including the most vulnerable and marginalised members of the community; and to equip them with knowledge, skills and tools to enhance the inclusive and gender-responsiveness of management and governance process.

Enhancing community understanding of and participation in local governance mechanisms is essential for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural marine resources. To achieve this, a shared vision is needed to ensure that priorities are aligned for collective management as well as to align methodologies and best practices. This could be achieved through strengthening institutional and policy structures.

The working group is composed of representatives from Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Fisheries Service and Kenya Forest Service, which are key government agencies mandated with management  of protected and conserved areas, fisheries and forests. The County Government of Kilifi and the Ministry of Interior are also represented to ensure coordination at different government levels. Fifty percent (50%) of members of the working group come from non-state actors including representatives from Civil Society Organization, Community Forest Association and Beach Management Unit, People with Disabilities (PWDs), Youth and Women (Forty percent (40%) of the working group comprises women). This demonstrates an inclusive and gender-responsive process, which would culminate into integrating varied views that would shape a fair and equitable seascape governance dialogue and decisions.

The ReSea project, funded by Global Affairs Canada and is being implemented in Kenya by Mission Inclusion, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ��) and local feminist partner, GROOTS Kenya, in Kilifi North, Malindi and Magharini sub-counties.