Youths for Green Action Kenya Plants 100,000 Trees in Narok County, Reviving Mau Forest
Youths for Green Action Kenya mobilized over 300 volunteers to plant 100,000 trees in 5 Days!, at Chebitet Camp, Mau Fores, Narok Couny-Kenya. Youths for Green Action Kenya envisions a greener future for Kenya and the globe, with planted trees storing carbon dioxide and improving the environment, now and in the future. This project planted trees with people and for people.
High-level debates in environmental councils may sometimes seem divorced from grassroots issues. We at Youths for Green Action Kenya- NGO, a wholly youth-led organization, looks at grassroots where environmental championship and climate action is needed the most. “Dirty hands, clean environment” is not a metaphor but rather a reality that the youths have embraced. In today’s world, in the middle of economic complexities, we all need steady reminders of our connection with mother nature. A healthy planet is directly linked to human health and welfare without forgetting the future generation, and trees form an essential part of it. Trees play a critical role in mitigating climate change impact and thus are necessary contributions to the health of the planet acting as its lungs, drawing in carbon dioxide and breathing out oxygen.
On May 22nd -28th, 2023, Youths for Green Action Kenya, NGO, in the frames of “Future in a Million Trees” project, set out to regenerate the lost biodiversity in Chebitet, Mau forest in Narok county. Based on the belief and cooperative value of unity, we embarked on a journey to plant 100,000 trees in Chebitet, Mau forest a once inhabited forest land to help bring back its lost glory after the evacuation of human settlers. This campaign is a manifestation that youths can be a part of something greater, sustaining the environment and developing a greener economy in the middle of climate change crisis.
Narok 100,000 Trees Highlights
The Narok100000Trees campaign brought about 250 volunteers from across different universities in Kenya: Egerton University, Masinde Muliro University of Science & Technology, Technical University of Kenya , Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, Kenyatta University, Multimedia University), 100 local community volunteers (including scouts), donors and supporters from different companies and institutions (German Imaging Technologies, Mount Meru Group, Victoria Furniture Limited, and individual philanthropists), partners from different government institutions; Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, African Youth Leadership Forum, NEMA, Kenya Red cross Society, Narok County Government, and Ministry of Environment Kenya, media and the local community
Fast facts!!
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- Over 300 volunteers mobilized
- 100,000 trees planted
- Youths for Green Action Kenya were recently granted recommendation awards by Narok County Government, Kenya Forest Service and Kenya Water Towers Agency.
- Youths for Green Action Kenya adopted 110 Hectares block in Mau Forest for reforestation.
The problem
The Mau Forest in Kenya is facing a significant environmental challenge due to the loss of biodiversity and deforestation. The displacement of settlers and human activities have led to the degradation of this once-thriving ecosystem. The absence of a sustainable approach to restore the forest’s health has further exacerbated the problem. In order to address this critical issue and mitigate the impacts of climate change, there is an urgent need to plant trees in the Mau Forest. The #Narok100000Trees massive tree-planting initiative aims to rejuvenate the forest, enhance its biodiversity, and restore its ecological balance. By mobilizing resources, volunteers, and raising awareness about the importance of reforestation, this project seeks to create a greener future for the Mau Forest, Kenya, and the global community
The solution
Youths for Green Action Kenya, through its 100,000 Trees Project for Mau Forest in the Chebitet Area, aims to restore 110 hectares of the Mau Forest ecosystem. With the dedicated support of over 300 volunteers, the organization planted 100,000 native tree species within the designated planting area. Although the organization does not possess its own budget, we successfully collaborated with three external organizations, acting as donors, to secure the necessary resources for this endeavor.
The project’s co-creation approach ensures a high level of commitment, guaranteeing the post-planting care and maintenance of the trees. It is estimated that the average survival rate of the planted trees will reach an impressive 87 percent. In further support of its regeneration and conservation goals, Youths for Green Action Kenya, as an NGO, has been allocated 110 acres of land in Plot No. 23 within the Chebitet forest area of the Mau Forest.
Volunteers actively engaged in daily tree-planting activities, commencing each morning with the target of planting a minimum of 60 tree seedlings per person. The enthusiastic participation of different donors and members of the community was instrumental in the project’s success. Despite the challenging and sloping terrain of the forest, the dedicated volunteers remained undeterred, displaying unwavering determination to achieve their daily planting targets.”
Helping the planet
Reforestation and regeneration of Mau Forest with native trees provides numerous environmental benefits. The forests store carbon dioxide, helping prevent further climate change, while providing shade and reducing flooding. Native forests provide habitat for native species, promoting biodiversity, as well as improving soil and water quality. Forests comprised of native species are also more resistant to fire, preventing ecological destruction caused by forest fires.
Helping people
A healthier natural environment translates into higher quality of life for Narok County Residents and Kenya at Large. Risk to life and property has been reduced by planting more fire-resistant forests, and shoring up resistance to flooding. The project’s collaboration and engagement has empowered the community members, strengthening their climate action efforts and making them more resilient towards environmental conservation
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Long-Term Impact
The successful implementation of the 100,000 Trees Project in Narok County will have far-reaching and enduring effects on the community. It will foster a lasting cultural shift wherein environmental awareness and stewardship become integral components of everyday life for community members. This increased understanding and care for the environment will be perpetuated by the younger generation, as they continue to prioritize environmental conservation in their various pursuits and endeavors.
The completion of this ambitious tree-planting initiative has left an indelible mark on Maasai Land. By planting 100,000 trees, the project contribute to the preservation of biodiversity and ecological balance. The impact will transcend time, as future generations embrace the culture of tree planting, ensuring the perpetuity of environmental conservation efforts. This long-term commitment to safeguarding the environment will create a sustainable legacy, protecting the natural resources and nurturing a greener and more resilient ecosystem for years to come.
Spillover Effect
The impact of the project has surpassed its initial boundaries, expanding from a small allocated planting area designated by the Narok County Government to a vast 110-hectare planting area now officially adopted by Youths for Green Action Kenya through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Kenya. This substantial growth signifies the recognition and endorsement of the project’s effectiveness and its alignment with the larger national agenda.
Furthermore, the project’s success has ignited interest among peer organizations, who are now considering replicating this proven model. As Kenya strives to achieve its ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, the scalable and impactful approach employed by Youths for Green Action Kenya has become a source of inspiration. The spillover effect is evident as other organizations are motivated to adopt similar strategies, amplifying the overall impact and contributing to the collective efforts towards achieving Kenya’s tree-planting targets. This replication of the model highlights the potential for broader adoption and the transformative influence it can have on the nation’s environmental goals.
“We are eagerly anticipating the transformation of the community environment in the coming years as a result of our reforestation project. However, it is crucial that we maintain our unwavering commitment to climate action efforts. The landscape in the Narok region, particularly in Mau Forest, has been severely degraded, and the natural conditions are deteriorating. The process of reforestation and regeneration will undoubtedly require time and patience. Nonetheless, the initial phase of our reforestation plan in Mau, implemented through the dedicated efforts of Youths for Green Action Kenya, has been remarkably successful. I am particularly impressed by the enthusiastic involvement of young volunteers in this project. Although not every aspect has unfolded according to plan, the Narok County community and the Youths for Green Action Kenya NGO have displayed remarkable adaptability in response to challenges. In our pursuit of excellence, we have formed valuable partnerships with organizations such as Victoria Furniture Group and Mount Meru Group, who provide expert support and facilitate connections with the private sector. Equally important, the Kenyan Government has remained steadfast in its commitment to the ambitious “15 billion trees by 20232″ project. At Youths for Green Action Kenya, our primary goal continues to revolve around a future with one million trees. I firmly believe that we are standing at a pivotal moment for momentous change in Kenya, particularly in Mau Forest, with the 100,000 trees planted already.” – Dr. Sassan Dieter-Khatib Patron, Youths for Green Action Kenya-NGO