Kenya's precious Baobab uprooted and exported

Around the world, trees are deeply intertwined with local culture and tradition. The Baobab tree for one is a magnificent tree that can live up to 2,500 years, grow up to 25 metres tall and store up to 120,000 litres of water in their trunks to survive through the dry seasons.

They also produce large white flowers that only open at night, attracting bats as pollinators, which travel vast distances to feed on their nectar.

There are only nine known species of Baobab trees worldwide and in Kenya, we can find Adansonia digitata (the species that can grow to the largest size and to the oldest age). Here the iconic tree has long been revered for its medicinal properties and as a symbol of longevity.

So, imagine the shock and disappointment when the government recently gave the nod for the export of eight of these precious trees to Georgia!

The decision to greenlight the uprooting and exporting of the mature baobab trees sparked outrage across the country, with many people expressing their dismay and frustration.

The baobab tree is not just a source of shade for Kenyans- it has over 300 uses!

• Its leaves are used to make traditional medicines that treat fever, malaria and diarrhoea.

• It produces edible super fruits that are highly nutritious.

• It is often used as a gathering place or for religious rituals.

And their export is a stark reminder of the consequences of placing profits above people and the planet. Here at ITF, we work with communities to plant, protect and promote native tree species like the iconic baobab tree.

To guarantee long-term sustainability, we also support communities to establish tree nurseries that produce a wide variety of diverse seedlings, ensuring that vital tree planting work continues even after a project ends and communities have the capacity to grow and produce healthy saplings that provide essential ecosystem services.

As we move towards a more sustainable future, we need to recognise and value the crucial role of each and every native tree, only then can we hope to build a world where the beauty of nature is celebrated rather than exploited.

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