In a bid to bolster environmental conservation efforts and combat climate change, the Kenyan government has unveiled plans to introduce a ground-breaking initiative requiring each tourist visiting the country to plant a tree.
The Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua unveiled the ambitious project, dubbed “One Tree per Tourist,” during a tree planting event at Lumo Community Conservancy in Taita Taveta County.
He emphasized the initiative’s crucial role in achieving the government’s ambitious target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
Mutua highlighted that the initiative, conceived during high-level cabinet meetings at the State House, reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a green economy. “One Tree per Tourist” aims to leverage the symbiotic relationship between tourism and environmental preservation, he said.
The implementation of the initiative will involve collaboration with various stakeholders in the tourism sector, including hotels and tourism agencies across the country.
“Those with hotels should have a plan where, when tourists arrive, they are given a tree seedling, make a hole, and plant a tree. We want a tree per tourist. If we get three million tourists at a minimum, we will have three million trees planted,” he said.
Mutua underscored the significance of biodiversity and ecosystem preservation in sustaining the tourism industry.
Under the programme, upon arrival in Kenya, tourists will be entrusted with the responsibility of planting a tree in designated areas.
This hands-on approach not only engages tourists in conservation efforts but also empowers them to contribute directly to Kenya’s environmental sustainability goals.
For urban areas like Nairobi where hotels are in the CBD, the CS noted that tourism forests would be created where, upon arrival, tourists could be taken to plant trees.
According to Mutua, every Cabinet Secretary has been given a day to plant trees every month.
In a pledge to continue supporting Taita Taveta and Kitui County’s environmental efforts, Dr. Mutua announced plans to return every Thursday of the second week of the month for ongoing tree planting exercises as he further cemented the partnership between government officials and local communities in the pursuit of environmental sustainability.
“Tree planting remains a continuous and pivotal exercise undertaken by the ministry to preserve the country’s ecosystem,” Mutua reaffirmed, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.
The “One Tree per Tourist” initiative signals Kenya’s proactive stance in addressing climate change and underscores the country’s dedication to sustainable tourism practices.
With tourism serving as a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy, this innovative approach not only fosters environmental resilience but also enhances the tourism experience, promoting responsible travel for a greener future.
Echoing Dr. Mutua’s sentiments, Taita Taveta County Commissioner Josephine Onunga emphasized the significance of community involvement in conservation efforts, stating the importance of working together to have a meaningful impact on the environment.
She added that “each tree planted today is a testament to our collective dedication towards preserving our natural heritage.”
Onunga stated that Taita Taveta County has a target to plant 5 million trees and to achieve that, every individual must participate in the tree-planting exercise.
“Let’s work together. We will bring seedlings even to the villages. Whenever you need tree seedlings and you don’t have them, come to my office or make a phone call, and we will come with them,” she said, urging the residents to also consider planting trees in their homesteads.
Governor Andrew Mwadime commended the community’s unwavering commitment to environmental preservation, stating, “Today’s tree planting exercise is a testament to the proactive approach that Taita Taveta County is taking towards sustainability. Through collaborative efforts, we can transform our environment and create a greener, more resilient future.”
By Arnold Linga Masila
