Kiunga Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 1980, in Kenya. Kiunga Biosphere Reserve lies at the northern end of Kenya’s coastline and comprises a chain of low islands and shoals. The vegetation consists mainly of shrubs, with some areas of mangrove forest, while the coastal strip has sandy beaches and dunes that are a key source of clean water for nearby communities. The site is known for hosting a high number of seabirds, marine turtles and the dugong. The reserve’s main purpose, as defined by the area’s stakeholders, is to conserve and protect marine and coastal forest species, especially the threatened sea turtles, dugong, Coastal topi, wild dogs and elephants along with their associated habitats for the benefit of present and future generations. Management objectives focus on ecological conservation, tourism development and community partnership.