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Malindi-Watamu

Malindi-Watamu Biosphere Reserve is located on the coast of Kenya about 100 km north of Mombasa. Notable physical features of this biosphere reserve are rock platforms, cliffs and sandy beaches. Mida Creek comprises tidal mud flats with fringing mangrove swamps and the biosphere reserve area also includes coral reefs and sea-grass beds.

This region is one of the main recreational centers of Kenya and local communities benefit from tourism activities. Major attractions are boat trips, water sports, deep-sea fishing and coral viewing. Corals and shells have been exploited heavily by visitors and local tradesmen for souvenirs. Trampling and anchorage have also possibly caused disturbances on the reef. Furthermore, increasing siltation from the Sabaki River is a major threat to the reefs. Prawn trawlers as well as oil spills from tankers in deeper waters and pollution from industrial areas around Nairobi cause major habitat disturbance.

The Wildlife and Conservation Department manages the site. The area is one of the best-known reef areas of the Kenyan coast as a number of university expeditions have used it as a study site. Recent research activities include studies on coral, marine turtles and sedimentation and there is some ecological monitoring. Read more about this reserve on the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves website.