It is one of the most precious assets of Malindi and the entire Kenyan coast, and certainly one of the most undervalued because of its ecosystem and its saving potential for nature conservation.
We are talking about the Sabaki River estuary, six kilometres north of the tourist town and a water basin on which the economy of an entire hinterland of the populous district and province of Magarini depends, involving over half a million inhabitants.
The Sabaki River, which in its upper reaches is called the Galana River, flows through the entirety of Tsavo East National Park and not only waters thousands of animals, but feeds most of the people who live along its banks for kilometres and kilometres, through its water table and the resulting agriculture.
This source of life is now under threat (incidentally, what natural element in the world is not?) due to pollution and climate change.
Fortunately, however, a large part of Nature is not interested and, in addition to the permanent presence of hippos and numerous species of birds, some of them rare, in this period along the mouth you can witness a spectacle of incomparable beauty that equals the most famous Kenyan "postcards" of the lakes of the Rift Valley, such as Lake Nakuru and Elmentaita: these are the pink flamingos that gather where the fresh water meets the salt of the ocean and becomes a fishing ground for these fabulous, romantic specimens.
These visions to be promoted and safeguarded remind us what a great heritage the Kilifi Count has to create an awareness of conservation while waiting for the return of international tourism. It is also for this reason that on the first of February and the following day Kenya's Minister of Environment Keriako Tobiko and the heads of the institutions linked to the environment will be at the Sabaki and will participate in initiatives for the planting of mangroves (the best antidote against pollution and coastal erosion) and the cleanup organised as always by PWAM and the sympathisers of the Malindi Green And Blue movement of which malindikenya.net is a part.
We will keep you updated on the programmes for the days in Kilifi County, which also include initiatives in Watamu and Mida Creek. In the meantime, enjoy the pictures taken on Sunday by our Leni Frau, on patrol in the areas where the meetings and events will be held.