Evaluation of Governance Processes on Nature-based Solution in Mining Sector for Habitat Restoration in Kwale County, Kenya

Abstract

Nature-based Solutions is a term that has received global recognition in the recent past and is used to refer to undertakings that involve working with nature to solve societal challenges. These Nature-based Solutions involve protective measures, restorative plans, or management of ecosystems to address various societal challenges. There is a dire need for the global community to incorporate Nature-based Solutions in all sectors right from policy formulation, to the design and execution of development plans if the world is to achieve sustainable development goals. The mining sector is one such sector that vehemently needs Nature-based Solutions embedded in it. This is largely because the sector is a key driver of environmental degradation and biodiversity loss despite the economic benefits accrued from this sector. The sector also triggers conflicts with local communities owing to the destruction of the ecosystem caused by the extraction of mineral deposits. However, the existing governance and policy frameworks within the sector fail to directly recognize the role of Nature-based Solutions. This study sought to evaluate Nature-based Solutions and governance mechanisms in the mining sector for habitat restoration within Kwale County, a region endowed with a vast range of mineral resources in Kenya. Achieving this required carrying out household surveys to residents living within these mining areas (N=123), and relevant key informants (N=11) through a transdisciplinary mode of knowledge production under the science, policy, and practice lens. Field observations, a review of existing literature, and a review of legislative and policy guidelines enhanced the validity and conformity of the data. The study found that there are various Nature-based Solutions in place within some mining regions such as constructed wetlands, constructed dunes, and established biodiversity corridors. In addition, this study also found that there lacks a policy and institutional framework to regulate these Nature-based Solutions within the county and country which hinders their absolute adoption and enforcement. Finally, the study found out that these Nature-based Solutions offer various social, economic, and ecological benefits to the people and ecosystems within the mining areas of Kwale County for habitat restoration within the mining sector. Therefore, this study recommends the formulation of a Nature-based Solutions policy and institutional framework under which governance principles such as transparency, equity, and participation amongst others can be evaluated. In addition, the study recommends the formulation of this policy and institutional framework for Nature-based Solutions to ensure there is legal compliance with habitat restoration within the mining sector of Kwale County using Nature-based Solutions. The study finally recommends the adoption of Nature-based Solutions in other sectors of socio-economic development within Kwale County owing to their multifold benefits to the social, economic, and ecological well-being of the residents and ecosystems