Kenya has announced a public holiday for nationwide tree planting in a reforestation drive. The government has set a target of planting 5 billion trees by 2030. However, planting trees is an effective way to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality, and prevent deforestation.
The government of Kenya has announced that this coming Monday will be a “special holiday” dedicated to planting trees all across the country. However, this initiative aims to help restore the land and combat the effects of climate change.
Kithure Kindiki, the cabinet secretary for the Interior and Administration of the National Government in Kenya. He shared the news on Monday, encouraging people nationwide to join in the effort. He stated, “The public across the Country shall be expected to plant trees as a patriotic contribution to the national efforts to save our Country from the devastating effects of Climate Change.”
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The event, called National Tree Growing Day, will take place on November 13, 2023. Moreover, Kindiki assured that students with national exams that day will proceed with their exams as usual.
This tree-planting initiative is part of Kenya’s Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme. The government has set the goal of growing and nurturing a staggering 15 billion trees by 2032. Moreover, this ambitious plan aims to restore and conserve over 10.6 million hectares of degraded landscapes and ecosystems.
The tree planting will not be limited to one location. There will be a central national venue, along with 47 venues in different counties. However, all Kenyan citizens and the general public are encouraged to participate.
Need Of An Hour
Over the years, Kenya’s forest cover has faced challenges, dropping from 12% in 1990 to just 6% in 2010. However, in 2022, there was an improvement, with the figure rising to 9%, according to the Kenya Forest Service. They warmly welcomed all Kenyans to take part in this celebration by planting trees.
At the recent Kenya Restoration Forum in Nairobi, Martin Mulama. The manager of the Southern Kenya Programme at WWF Kenya emphasized the vital role of communities in this ambitious 15-billion Trees initiative. He stressed the importance of including, engaging, and involving local communities in the restoration efforts. Moreover, it will ensure they benefit from the restoration of landscapes and ecosystems.
In addition, I hope that their reforestation drive is successful in achieving its ambitious goal of planting 5 billion trees by 2030.