The Bahari Yetu Festival 2023, embraced the powerful theme of Ocean Sustainability. The event focused on conservation for sustainable livelihoods, bringing together organisations, community groups, and individuals dedicated to protecting our oceans while supporting local economies.
As well as the fun games and activities for the 360 kids that attended the festival was also a vibrant platform where diverse groups showcased their innovative work in conservation and sustainability.
The stalls present were represented by:
LaMCoT & East African Ocean Explorers: The organisers, central to promoting marine conservation, led the event with a strong focus on education and advocacy.
NEWF: Who brought the underwater world to life through animmersive Virtual Reality Experience.
LaMCoT Interactive Art Stall: Kids participated in live painting activities, blending creativity with environmental awareness.
Flip Flopi: Demonstrating innovation, Flip Flopi highlighted the use of recycled plastic materials in building boats and other items. They also donated some beautfiul prizes such as craved recycled plactic frames for the certificates adn the story books that share thier story.
Shella Women’s Association: who are keep cultural heritage alive through the recipes passed down through generations, demonstrating the strength of grassroots action.
Save Lamu: ensuring participatory decision-making, achieve sustainable and responsible development.
Matondoni Women Association: Showcased weaving and basketry made from sustainable materials, supporting local livelihoods.
Faza Youth Action Group: Promoted mangrove reforestation, essential for coastal health and protection against erosion.
Bandari Salama: Presented a crab fattening project aimed at sustainable economic development.
Mtangawanda Women Association: Engaged in crucial mangrove restoration efforts, showcasing how community efforts can support conservation.
Lamu Museum: Provided a unique insight into Lamu’s historical connection with the ocean, blending heritage and environmental consciousness.
Lamu Youth Alliance: Emphasised the importance of environmental education in fostering a conservation-minded generation.
Matondoni Youth Group: Demonstrated their involvement in mangrove reforestation and beekeeping, supporting both environmental and economic goals.
The success of the festival was made possible by the generous support of our stall sponsors; Peponi Hotel, Mama Carol, Island Children’s Fund, The House in the Wild, Experience the Village & Shaba Dhow We extend our heartfelt thanks to each of these contributors for their dedication to our shared vision.
Special recognition also goes to Jua Kai, whose artistic talents brought the festival’s spirit to life through the beautiful design created for the t-shirts and gift bags.
The key message of the festival was brought home by wonderful, educational performances by the Lamu Arts and Theatre Alliance (LATA) and the Matata & Friends puppet performance. These performance engaged both kids and adults al like addressing the impact we have on our environment, importance of keeping clean and how we can each make an impact.
The Bahari Yetu Festival achieved several key objectives:
Enhanced Awareness: Attendees left with a deeper understanding of ocean sustainability and conservation practices.
Showcased Innovation: The festival provided a platform for showcasing creative solutions to environmental challenges.
Fostered Collaboration: The event brought together diverse stakeholders, fostering collaboration and community-led action in ocean conservation
The Bahari Yetu Festival 2023 successfully promoted ocean sustainability, sparking dialogue, action, and collaboration around a common goal. But our work is far from over. From our relfections of last years event we realised the need to grow the event this year to incldue a day focusing on the current generation, as well as a day for the next generations. So we will have a two day event the Watoto day for the kids and the Uvuvi day for communities as a whole, conservation organistions and sustainable fisheries.
We are looking for sponsorship for the 2024 Bahari Yetu Festival highlighting the 'Guardians of the Deep!
We encourage everyone to continue supporting ocean conservation initiatives and embracing sustainable practices in their daily lives. Every small effort contributes to a healthier marine environment.
To all the participants, sponsors, and supporters: thank you for your dedication, enthusiasm, and support. Together, we are making strides toward a more sustainable future for our oceans.
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