The Eastern African Marine Ecoregion extends from Southern Somalia down the Eastern seaboard of Africa through Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique to the north of South Africa – a distance of 4,600 km. The area supports a great diversity of plant and animal life, including some of the Indian Ocean's most diverse coral reefs and mangrove forests. It also has the world's largest population of breeding roseate terns and home to the threatened Dugong and all five species of Indian Ocean Turtles.
Climate change impacts

Rises in sea temperature and increased ultra-violet radiation will increase the occurrence and intensity of coral bleaching.

More frequent and intense extreme weather events are likely to cause more damage on shorelines, coral reefs and mangroves.

Sea-level rise along coastal areas where most people live are likely to cause inundation of mangroves and beaches leading to disruption on economic activities, including tourism and fisheries. Salinity fluctuations may cause major changes in mangrove areas.

Changes in the frequency, intensity and predictability of rainfall will cause fluctuations in river flows and sedimentation patterns along the coastal areas.


WWF has initiated a regional effort to more effectively address the threats of climate change by: conducting climate change vulnerability assessments and develop adaptation models for mangroves and coral reef habitats; sensitizing governments and stakeholders through programs like Climate Witness; reducing non-climate change stresses; establishing representative networks of protected areas; restoring degraded habitats and helping to build social resilience to climate change