Chasimba: A unique coastal ecosystem under threat from mining in Kenya

Nestled along Kenya’s picturesque coastline in Kilifi County, the Chasimba rock formations and cave systems are more than just geological wonders. This unique ecosystem is a living museum–a home to ancient artefacts, rare plants and Animals, as well as distinctive limestone structures. The existence of these diverse biodiversity has given Chasimba its global recognition as a Key Biodiversity Area.

But Chasimba’s unique ecosystem is now facing an existential threat. A proposed limestone mining project, backed by a mining corporation, looms over this delicate landscape,threatening to irrevocably damage the environment and silence Chasimba’s echoes of the past.

If the proposed project takes off, Chasimba risks losing over 196 plant species, among them rare and endangered varieties like Premna discolor var discolor, Cola octoloboides, Zehneria monocarpa, and Premna mwadimei, many of which are listed on the IUCN Red List.

Chasimba also risks losing the Critically Endangered African Violet (Streptocarpus ionanthus subspecies rupicola), large fruit bat colonies (Rousettus aegyptiacus) and various insect-eating bats, as well as a rare hyrax subspecies, and other animal species that live in its cool, dark caves.

But it is not only the rare plants and animal species that could be wiped off this one-of-a-kind ecosystem that intertwines nature and culture; the area’s rich cultural artefacts—evidenced by pottery, fossils, and sacred shrines, could be gone. Yet these unique geological features that could earn Kenya a future UNESCO GeoPark stand at the brink of destruction.

Amidst these looming threats hell-bent on dismantling this natural wonder, Nature Kenya and the local communities have been spearheading the fight to protect Chasimba.

Despite the vocal opposition from local communities, Nature Kenya and other conservation organisations, Mashujaa Cement PLC, a mining company, has been approved by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to mine limestone and set up a cement plant in this fragile environment. The planned development threatens to scar Chasimba’s delicate ecosystem permanently.

For local communities, giving a nod to mining at Chasimba will not only threaten their priceless link to their past but also harm the environment.

“Allowing more mining, specifically here at Chasimba, is inconsiderate to the people of Kilifi. As residents, we do not need this project in our area. Let the government consider other forms of sustainable land use but not mining,’’ says Ziro Mlanda, a teacher at Chasimba Primary School.

Sonje Mwachiro, a resident at Bwaga Moyo in Chasimba, echoed Mlanda’s sentiments, noting, “Establishing a cement factory here will bring more harm than good. It will not only affect the environment but also us. We reject this move and urge the government and the investor to drop the project.”

For Nature Kenya, protecting Chasimba is a mission worth fighting for. Policy and Advocacy manager at Nature Kenya, Dr Caroline Ng’weno says there is a need to prioritize conservation over short-term economic interests and protecting Chasimba for future generations.

“We stand resolutely against the proposed limestone mining at Chasimba. This unique Key Biodiversity Area is a treasure trove of biodiversity and cultural heritage,” Dr Ng’weno says.

She adds, “Any mining operation, no matter how ‘safeguarded,’ would irrevocably damage fragile ecosystems and the livelihoods of local communities.”

Nature Kenya has formally opposed the issuance of the mining license and launched a community-wide initiative to rally support. The Chasimba Caves Association, alongside local communities, have also challenged the license issuance at the National Environmental Tribunal (NET) on environmental grounds.

Determined to strengthen their case, the local communities in Chasimba organized a field trip to different areas that had already suffered the consequences of limestone mining where they witnessed the environmental devastation of scarred landscapes, polluted waterways, and displaced wildlife.

The stark reality of these mining operations, Chasimba residents say, shows the potential consequences of a similar project in their backyard. With other areas in Kilifi County already bearing the brunt of destructive mining practices, such as limestone mining in Bondora, ballast mining in Jaribuni, and quarrying in Tezo, the community say that they are determined to prevent history from repeating itself.