What if Traditional Ecological Mangrove Knowledge Eroded over Decadal Time Scales?

Abstract

Long-term monitoring of mangrove ecosystem changes and their impact on local communities is challenging due to the need for decades of fieldwork. Gazi Bay, Kenya, has become a model site for studying long-term mangrove dynamics and social-ecological transitions, thanks to ongoing scientific research since the 1980s. This study analyzes mangrove use in the 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s through 262 semi-structured ethnobiological interviews covering mangrove utilization, fisheries, and environmental perceptions. Findings reveal a local ecological taxonomy based on mangrove species traits, with usage patterns evolving over time. While some species remained constant or increased in use for construction and fuelwood, others declined significantly in applications such as construction, medicine, material treatment, and food/fodder (including fisheries). These shifts, along with changing gender roles, signal a loss of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). Community members reported perceived increases in mangrove cover, attributing them to natural regeneration, planting efforts, cutting bans, and conservation awareness. Continued research is essential to inform sustainable management, understand evolving human-mangrove relationships, and navigate the trade-offs between conservation and TEK erosion.Kukusanya matukio ya mabadiliko kwa kutumia ufuatiliaji wa muda mrefu ya mifumo ikolojia ya mikoko kwa jamii sio rahisi kwa sababu inahitaji kazi ya nyanjani ya muda wa miongo. Shukrani kwa utafiti wa kisayansi tangu miaka ya 1980 huko Gazi eneo la bahari ambalo limekua kielelezo cha utafiti wa muda mrefu na, baadaye, mabadiliko ya ikolojia-jamii ya mikoko. Utafiti huu umeangazia matumizi ya mikoko huko Gazi katika miaka ya 2000, 2010, na 2020 kwa kukusanya maoni kuhusu maisha ya jamii, viumbe na mazingira kutoka kwa watu wapatao 262, pia shughuli za uvuvi, na fikra kuhusu mabadiliko ya mazingira. Matukio ya utafiti huu unadhihirisha njia asili za jamii katika kutambua aina za mikoko na mabadiliko ya matumizi maalum ya mikoko hii. Ikiwa matumizi ya baadhi ya aina ya mikoko katika ujenzi au kutumika kama kuni imeongezeka au kutobadilika, matumizi mengine ya aina zingine za mikoko zimepungua kwa kiwango kikubwa katika ujenzi, kama dawa na tiba, na kama chakula kwa mifugo na kwa binadamu kupitia uvuvi. Madiliko haya sambamba na shughuli za kijinsia ni dalili ya kupotea kwa Elimu Ikolojia ya Asilia (Traditional Ecological Knowledge - TEK). Jamii ya Gazi imeshuhudia mabadiliko ya sehemu za mikoko kuongezeka kwa sababu ya kuchipuka kwa miche, upandaji wa mara kwa mara, marufuku ya kutokata mikoko, na ufahamu wa kuhifadhi mikoko katika jamii. Utafiti wa kina wa matumizi ya mikoko katika jamii unahitajika ili kuchangia usimamizi endelevu na sera ili kujua uhusiano wa watu na mabadiliko ya maeneo ya mikoko kwa wakati, na iwapo baina ya uhifadhi mikoko na kudorora kwa EIA inakubalika.