Taita Taveta has announced that it is on course to achieve its climate action plan objective of restoring 360,000 hectares of land by 2032 through an aggressive tree-planting campaign.
The devolved unit’s Department for Water, Sanitation, Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources on Wednesday revealed that it had made a significant effort to attain the ambitious plan as it led a campaign to mark World Environment Day.
The campaign saw 2,500 trees planted at the Salt Lick Safari Lodge area, part of the Tsavo National Park ecosystem, which accounts for 62 percent of the county's landmass.
According to Taita Taveta County Executive Committee Member Grantone Mwandawiro, who is in charge of the docket, each resident will be required to plant 100 trees annually for the next ten years.
“If achieved, this initiative would result in the planting of an impressive 360 million trees and the restoration of 360,000 hectares of land by 2032.”
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Further, he noted that the role of trees in reversing climate change cannot be overstated.
On his part, Taita Taveta Wildlife Conservancies Association (TTWCA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alfred Mwanake announced a potential collaboration with the County Government and Absa Bank to grow 1 million trees.
“I encourage women and youth to establish nurseries to serve as sources of seedlings, which will not only contribute to the tree-growing initiative but also enhance their livelihoods.”
Sanjeev Kumar, the General Manager of the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, highlighted the sanctuary’s practice of involving guests in carbon offset initiatives.
The sanctuary has three reforestation sites where it encourages guests to plant trees.
The sanctuary takes care of these trees and updates guests on their growth and contribution to carbon offset.
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