Be a part of the solution this Earth Day
“Men and trees, trees and water, man and water are inseparable. This is the trinity of life.”
Picture a world without trees – no towering green giants spreading their branches far and wide, no springtime blossom greening our streets. It’s simply inconceivable!
Behind the scenes, these gentle giants play a critical role in sustaining all life on Earth. Their leaves and branches nourish the soil, promoting plant growth. And they provide shelter and food for countless creatures big and small from birds and insects to fungi and tiny microorganisms.
Indeed, trees are our planet’s lifeline and when it comes down to protecting these precious repositories of biodiversity, there’s simply no time to waste.
Whether by planting new saplings, protecting old-growth forests or simply appreciating them from afar, we need to do everything in our power to ensure that future generations can experience the magic of trees.
And with Earth Day just around the corner, there’s no better time to make a positive impact on our planet. Together we can plant trees that enrich our soils and safeguard biodiversity, like in our project in Central Kenya.
In central Kenya, together with our local partner Meru Forest Environmental Conservation and Protection (MEFECAP), we’re working with local communities to plant trees within Mount Kenya Forest Reserve - an impressive landscape that’s brimming with diverse plants and wildlife.
The future of Mount Kenya’s forests is in jeopardy - invasive shrub species like Lantana camara and changes in local temperature and rainfall patterns is dwindling forest growth and driving the loss of biodiversity.
For people like Francis Mwenda, Mount Kenya Forest Reserve is a vital source of food, water and medicinal plants. But as he recently told us, “This place used to have good weather and a lot of food,” he says. “Now it is not the same anymore.”
Francis Mwenda
Kinyoto Magiri
The loss of trees within Mount Kenya Forest Reserve has also resulted in competition for space between local communities and wildlife populations. This has led elephants, who require vast amounts of vegetation, to encroach on farmlands in search of food and water.
Francis’ neighbour and fellow tree planter, Kinyoto Magiri told us, “We have learnt a big lesson. We are the people who cut down the trees from the forest and we are now suffering. Without the trees, there are no rains, we have no water, our springs and rivers are drying”.
Fortunately, local communities are working hard to address these challenges. In fact, last year alone, they planted an astonishing 75,000 trees including native trees like African Olive which is known for its medicinal properties.
Priscilla Mukundi
What’s more, this project is providing much needed income generation opportunities for community members like Priscilla Mukundi.
During a recent visit, Priscilla told us, “I raise tree seedlings. When the seedlings are ready, we sell to MEFECAP through the project to plant in the forest. We get paid. We are able to take children to school. For me as an individual I have a grandchild that I pay school fees for. This to me is a very big benefit.”
But despite these successes, there’s still more work to be done. With your help, we can continue to support people like Francis, Kinyoto and Priscilla, to create a sustainable future, one tree at a time.
Please donate this Earth Day. Together, through tree planting, we can bring forests back to life, help nature recover and repair our broken ecosystems for wildlife, people and planet. Double your donation
This Earth Day, join us in making an even bigger impact for wildlife, people & planet. From 20th – 27th April, each pound you donate to our campaign will be generously matched by the Big Give. That means your donation will go even further in helping people and the environment.
Ready to make a difference? Head to our campaign page now and double your impact !