In celebration of World Environment Day, a coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and grassroots activists in Kilifi County united to plant over 600 mangrove trees along Gastonia Beach.
Winnie Masai, representing Haki ni Yetu and Inform Action Organizations, emphasized the day’s primary goal of raising awareness about environmental issues, in line with this year’s theme:
“accelerating land restoration, building resilience, and combating desertification.” Masai added, “We also want to promote collective action among the people.
It is important for everyone to understand the importance of taking up responsibility for conserving the environment.”
Masai highlighted how local economic activities, such as mining, contribute to environmental degradation. She stressed the need for training miners in environmentally friendly practices.
Jewel Omina, Public Relations and Communications Officer for 1 Million Trees for Kilifi CBO, underscored the importance of increasing Kilifi’s tree cover to at least 20% to mitigate climate change effects.
Omina stated, “Our target is to plant 1 million trees across the county, and so far we have planted more than 100,000 trees.
When we increase the percentage of tree cover in the county, we
will not only help to conserve the environment, but we will also help to ensure food security in Kilifi.”
Lucky Kazungu from Leaf Charity Organization urged the community to nurture and protect indigenous trees, pointing out that their exploitation threatens the survival of various organisms.
Kazungu explained, “Many indigenous trees have been exploited and cut down, which has led to a big loss in our environment.
For example, there’s a species of mushroom that cannot be found since it only grows around the indigenous trees that are no longer here.”
Through these efforts, the Kilifi community demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental conservation and resilience building, aiming to restore and preserve their natural surroundings for future generations.
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