About Eco-Ethics International - Kenya

Eco-Ethics International - Kenya is an environmental and community development non-governmental organization. We work towards sustainable exploitation of coastal and marine resources, with an intention of not only sustaining ecosystem integrity but also alleviating the poverty that continues to eat into the fabric of coastal communities. We are based in Mombasa but have projects throughout the Coast Province of Kenya.

We believe that careful use of natural resources needs a foundation of education and awareness-raising, social development and financial empowerment. Currently, Eco-Ethics International - Kenya is working on a range of initiatives with small-scale fishermen, women's groups, youth groups and schools to address some of these root issues, incorporating cross-cutting themes of gender inequality and HIV/AIDS.

The organization was established in 2000 as a chapter of Eco-Ethics International Union, a worldwide network of scientists, educators and community organizations. The aim of the 'eco-ethics' concept is to develop a modern ethics of nature and humanity based on scientific research and knowledge.

Our first office was a small room in the family home of Okeyo Benards, our founder and CEO, who was introduced to Eco-Ethics while studying at the University of Bremen, Germany. Eco-Ethics International - Kenya was legally registered as an NGO in 2002, when it moved to new offices in Mombasa. Our first project was to identify fish landing sites along the south coast and to mobilise fishermen into groups. We were interested in the relationship between traditional resource-use systems and conventional management practices. As a result of our dialogue with the fishing communities, we realised a need for direct benefits, and began a project to improve how fish were being handled and processed by constructing latrines and structures known as bandas at fish landing sites, starting in Chale-Kinondo.

Further milestones for the organization include:

• 2003: Began project in Mvuleni to encourage more environmentally sustainable fishing practices.
• 2004: Launched Eco-Clubs education project with five schools in Mombasa and Kwale, to promote participatory environmental conservation in the region.
• 2006: Organised the first World Oceans Day celebrations in Kenya. Also launched the alternative livelihoods programme to support communities in diversifying away from fishing and rain-fed agriculture.
• 2007: Completed applied research project into improved methods for processing and preserving fish.
• 2008: Received funding from the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation to continue work with South Coast communities.
• 2010: Completed landmark project in Tana Delta on technology transfer and capacity-building in remote, marginalised fishing villages.
• 2011: Successful completion of SAICM lead implementation project at Owino Uhuru slums.Launch of "Amkeni Wakenya" project on understanding devolution in light of the new Kenyan constitution

Today, we have a staff of around 10 full-time employees and interns. Over the years we have built valuable relationships with a number of partners, including the Kenyan Fisheries Department, the Foundation for Sustainable Development and local beach management units. Securing funding for our work is an ongoing challenge, but we continue our mission to investigate, demonstrate, promote and enhance harmonious relationships between human communities and their natural resources.

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Okeyo (far left) with fishermen.	The 2004 World Day for Water was a forerunner of World Oceans Day.

One of our first projects was constructing a fish banda and latrine at Gazi.