Listening, learning, and participating

Neptunia Bluezone Expedition was inaugurated in Lamu, Kenya, in February 2026 — a historic island archipelago where boats are central to daily life, connecting people, work, and communities across water.

The inauguration took place through participation in ongoing, community-led initiatives, allowing the expedition to begin in listening and learning rather than proclamation. Activities included beach clean-ups, marine stewardship, mangrove conservation, swimming lessons for women to improve safety and access to water, and conversations around boats, transport, and livelihoods.

Lamu, where boats are a necessity rather than a choice, offered a natural and meaningful context in which to begin a global exploration of Blue Zones and sustainable boat life.

Matondoni Beach Cleaning – A Moment of Shared Purpose

During the inauguration period, Neptunia Bluezone Expedition was invited to take part in a large-scale beach cleaning at Matondoni, organised and carried out by local youth groups, women’s initiatives, environmental organisations, and county representatives.

The clean-up was mobilised by Nasoor Mahfudh Mohamed, a locally recognised entrepreneur, youth leader, and environmental advocate from Lamu. Through his initiatives, including Camp Wiyoni Beach Enterprise and Safari Swimming and Entertainment Self-Help Group, Nasoor supports youth engagement, women’s participation, and practical environmental action — particularly in mangrove conservation and restoration.

For Neptunia Blue Zone Expedition, being present at the Matondoni beach cleaning was an honour and an opportunity to witness local leadership in action and to allow this moment of collective care to mark the commencement of the expedition. The event itself — shaped and owned by the community — reflected many of the values the expedition seeks to highlight and support over time.

The day brought together volunteers from across Lamu to clear the shoreline, address marine pollution, and reaffirm shared responsibility for the coastal environment. It served as a powerful reminder that Blue Zones are sustained first and foremost by the people who live and act within them.

Organisations involved in the Matondoni Beach Cleaning

• Faza Youth Action Group
• Tarazaq Self Help Group
• Safari Swimming and Entertainment Self-Help Group
• Eco Care Initiative Group
• Cusfas Grime Enterprise
• Uhai Africa Organisation

A video documenting the Matondoni beach cleaning and the voices behind it will soon be published on the YouTube channel.