In a significant environmental initiative, Kenya has introduced a new holiday that echoes the spirit of Arbor Day, encouraging citizens to actively participate in afforestation efforts.
The nationwide campaign urges Kenyans to plant two tree seedlings each, marking a collective effort to combat global warming. Sponsored nurseries are generously providing these seedlings to families, contributing to a widespread and inclusive movement.
While for many urban dwellers, the holiday may simply translate to an additional day off, numerous residents have embraced the opportunity to play a role in Kenya’s environmental future.
The BBC and Africa News have reported positive sentiments form individuals who see this as a chance to make a meaningful impact on both the macro and micro environmental landscape of the country.
Mr. Stephen Chelulei told the BBC, “I have come to plant trees here, because our water levels have been diminishing. Even here at the river source, the levels are very low, trees have been cleared.”
Meanwhile, CEO of Soul of Africa Tours and Travel, Michael Kisangi, spoke to Africa News and said, “It’s a great opportunity for everyone to get out there and plant a tree because we got to take care of our environment.”
Florists and tree nurseries, integral to the success of such a campaign, are also actively participating and celebrating the initiative.
Kenya’s tree cover has dwindled over the years, now standing at a mere 7% of its historical extent. In response to this concerning trend, the Ministry of Environment has set an ambitious goal – to increase tree cover by approximately 12% within the next decade.
Environment Minister Soipan Tuya shared insights on the overwhelming response to the initiative, describing it as “amazing.”
Notably, the new app has played a pivotal role in facilitating this large-scale participation. The app not only helps Kenyans identify suitable locations for planting but also guides them in selecting tree species that are well-suited to the specific habitat.
The Ministry anticipates a substantial impact, with an impressive 2 million sign-ups on the app already. Minister Tuya is optimistic about the potential outcomes, with expectations of planting double-digit millions of trees by the end of the rainy season in December. Looking further ahead, the ambitious goal is to reach a staggering 15 billion trees planted by 2032.
This initiative aligns with Kenya’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges, especially the reduction in tree cover. The participatory nature of the campaign fosters a sense of shared responsibility, with citizens actively contributing to the larger goal of environmental conservation. As the nation joins hands in this concerted effort, the hope is to reverse the trend of declining tree cover and establish a more sustainable and resilient ecosystem for future generations.
See more about this incredible endeavor in the video below:
What are your thoughts? Please comment below and share this news!
True Activist / Report a typo
