TBA alumna Margaret Owuor (TBA field course Kibale 2006) is one of the recipients of the 2015 Russell E. Train Fellowships. This grant will support her research project to evaluate the application of ecosystem services approach to the management of mangroves in Kenya.
Mangroves are critical for food security and the livelihoods of coastal communities in Kenya. Despite their value, evidence suggests that mangrove forests and the future of the communities that rely on these valuable ecosystems are under threat.
Margaret’s work aims to measure the value of the role that healthy mangrove forest plays in food security and community livelihoods as quantifying the value of ecosystem services strengthens the case for sustainable management. She will work closely with the local communities to identify the threats and solutions to coastal mangrove management, which she says requires a broad understanding by all people in the area.
Her project, entitled “Application of ecosystem services approach to the management of mangroves in Kenya,’ is part of her PhD studies in Marine Sciences at the University of Cadiz, Spain.
While sharing the news with the TBA Margaret said: “Investing in environmentally sustainable management and development of the coast will be more cost effective than restoring human livelihoods and ecosystems after a catastrophe. The skills I gained from the various TBA courses has been vital in my career, and will be put to practice in this project. Thank you TBA.”
