Greens of Africa Foundation, in collaboration with the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF), has planted over five million tree seedlings nationwide in the last five years, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental conservation.
Jedidah Wanyeki, the foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, mentioned that the Environmental Soldier Programme, which aims to plant another one million seedlings during this year’s long rains, has been responsible for the tree planting efforts.
Ms. Wanyeki made these remarks at Wireless Village in Uyombo Sub location in Kilifi North Sub County, Kilifi County, where her organization, Equity Bank, and soldiers from the Kenya Army and Kenya Navy joined members of the Mida Creek Conservation Community (MCCC) in planting 70,000 mangrove tree seedlings.
The MCCC, an umbrella organization of more than 30 conservation community-based organizations (CBOs) working under the Watamu and Sokoke Community Forest Association (CFAs), emphasized the positive impact of working with the KDF, noting that the soldiers usually look after the trees they grow, leading to high levels of survival.
Ms. Wanyeki highlighted the collaboration’s goal to empower communities through income-generating activities, including raising tree nurseries and selling seedlings, with support from sponsors like Equity Bank.
“Equity Bank works with community organizations to ensure that all the seedlings they (communities) are producing are bought, making this an income-generating activity for the organizations,” she said.
Ms. Wanyeki added that her organization and Equity Bank also support the communities to acquire beehives, which they use to harvest honey from mature mangrove trees, thus boosting their incomes.
David Mungai, the Malindi Branch Manager of Equity Bank, emphasized the bank’s ambitious plan to plant 35 million trees and support the government’s programme of increasing the country’s tree cover.
He mentioned that the bank had already planted over 25 million trees within the Republic of Kenya and was looking forward to achieving its target of 35 million tree seedlings.
“For this morning, both Malindi and Mtwapa branches have partnered with Sita Umoja Conservation Group, which is one of the groups under the MCCC, and we have donated 200,000 mangrove tree seedlings,” he said.
He added that the bank also supports the communities by purchasing their seedlings to enable them to generate income.
Members of the MCCC commended Greens of Africa Foundation, the KDF, and Equity Bank for their support and pledged to ensure the proper care of all planted tree seedlings.
They emphasized the importance of mangroves, noting their significance as breeding grounds for marine species, protection against coastal erosion, and honey production.
Edward Kitole, an official of MCCC, expressed gratitude to the government for allowing KDF soldiers to assist area communities in conserving the environment.
Mr. Kitole listed various benefits of mangrove forests, including honey production, fisheries development, and protection of land from invasion by the sea.
He also highlighted that mangrove forests had become a tourist attraction, with several CBOs establishing tourist establishments within the area.
He mentioned that the MCCC had planted close to 40,000 mangrove tree seedlings since the beginning of this year and was targeting to plant one million trees through the various conservation groups under MCCC.”
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