Mau Forest Restoration: Communities Join Global Organisation to Replant Native Trees

Nakuru, Kenya - An international forest restoration organization, One Tree Planted, has joined forces with local communities to restore degraded indigenous forests within the Mau Forest Complex in Kenya. The non-profit organization is working alongside the Wezesha Community Based Organisation (CBO) to protect biodiversity, strengthen the resilience of the Mau ecosystem, and provide a safer habitat for endangered species.

The project aims to plant native tree species, restore degraded areas, and establish community-managed tree nurseries. John Ngahu, One Tree Planted's Project Manager for Africa, said local volunteers were being trained to monitor tree growth, prevent forest fires, and protect young trees from illegal logging and grazing. The initiative also involves training locals in income-generating activities such as seed collection and tree production.

Ngahu stressed that monitoring, reporting, and verification of tree growth are crucial aspects of successful forest restoration. He explained that while planting trees is relatively easy, sustaining the growth and survival of these trees is a more complex task that requires long-term commitment.

The Mau Forest Complex, the largest closed-canopy forest in East and Central Africa, has been facing major challenges due to extensive degradation over the years. Covering 22 forest blocks across five counties, including Menengai and Dundori forests, the Mau Forest Complex serves as Kenya's largest water tower and is home to various endangered animal and bird species.

One Tree Planted's financiers from Switzerland and Wezesha CBO CEO Dr. Redempta Mutisya joined the tree planting exercise in Dundori Forest. They emphasized the importance of involving local communities in forest restoration efforts to create a sense of ownership and ensure its sustainability beyond the lifespan of the conservation projects. Dr. Mutisya noted that local communities are the primary custodians of forest resources and must be equipped with the necessary skills to protect and restore degraded areas.

Nikin Nothing Co-Founder and CEO of Switzerland, Nicholas Haenny, welcomed the community-led approach to forest restoration and commended the Kenyan Government's 15 billion tree-growing agenda. He pledged continued support for conservation efforts. Community leaders, including Dundori Community Forest Association Vice Chairperson Peter Kimani, expressed their appreciation for the restoration initiative, which has raised awareness of forest protection and encouraged residents to take greater responsibility for the degraded areas under their care.