At a glance
For this project we are working with Eden Reforestation Projects, a non-profit organization recognized as one of the most cost-effective reforestation projects on the planet. They have been working with local communities to replant and protect Kenya’s forest systems since 2019. Within Kenya, they are working in 2 distinct regions: The Great Rift Valley and the Northern Coast. In partnership with Kijabe Forest Trust and David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, our project partner is planting afromontane species within the Kijabe Forest, which includes mangroves and coastal species.
CO₂ impact
Research indicates that mangroves sequester carbon at a rate four times greater than mature tropical forests. Furthermore, it is known that they play an important role in coastal ecosystems and provide an array of services, including: fisheries, fibre production, sediment regulation, and storm/tsunami protection. Next to that, each tree planted can remove over 308kg of CO2 over its 25-year lifespan, or 12kg of CO2 per tree per year, which is of great importance to fight our climate crisis.
Biodiversity benefits
At the moment, together with our partner Eden, we are only planting native tree species. Introducing new or any other invasive species at the project sites isn’t allowed, which helps in conserving local biodiversity. Kenya is a country famous for its diverse wildlife and wide range of forest types. However, in recent decades these forests have experienced extreme environmental degradation due to human activities, losing approximately 12.000ha each year. Our partner’s goal to achieve a 10% forest cover in Kenya will help the local biodiversity thrive once again.
Socio-economic benefits
Through reforestation, rains and landslides have also become more reliable, which contributes to less damage to important infrastructure that are essential for local communities. Investment in reforestation and restoration is key to helping developing countries meet their National Determined Contributions of the Paris Agreement. Eden Reforestation Projects provides economic incentives and simple planting techniques to help local communities restore their local environment and economy. Systems and education are kept simple, therefore making it easy for people who don’t have many resources to replicate and implement activities. Working with local communities is important to create long-term and sustainable success. They are given new opportunities at economic self-sufficiency, improved health, and education.
Project gallery
Location of the project
Project partner
This project is run by Eden Reforestation Projects (Eden), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was established in 2004. Edens’s mission is to provide jobs to local villagers based on their ‘Employ to Plant’-methodology. Eden hires local villagers to grow, plant, and guard native trees species planted on behalf of our community and other contributors – on a massive scale. Eden is active in 11 countries and provides employment to over 11,500 employees.
