The long-term effects of deforestation have a critically negative impact on the ecosystem, affecting not only plant and animal life but also the well-being of human communities that rely on the fertility of the land for their prosperity. ⁠As efforts to restore forest cover gain full momentum around the world, we embarked on an initiative to replenish deforested land here on Segera Conservancy through the Tree of Life Reforestation project. We aim to grow three million trees by 2030. This will be East Africa’s largest reforestation project on a private conservancy. 

The first phase of the planted forest in 2020 formed the shape of a rhino, which highlights the importance of conservation and biodiversity. The project is a critical aspect of restoring and replenishing the land, as a healthy landscape also creates underground water reserves, fertile topsoil and increases carbon sequestration capacity. Women from the local communities have given their incredible support in the watering and maintenance exercises in the nurseries and in the field. During the planting seasons, more community members are contracted to support these efforts thus increasing knowledge and income at the household level within the area.

At only $1 per tree, every donation makes a real difference towards protecting Kenya’s biodiversity for the future, and everyone can take part.⁠ You can support the ‘Tree of Life’ Reforestation Initiative by donating to: 

• Seed purchase, equipment procurement, and nursery operations to produce viable seedlings for the initiative. 
• Monitoring and evaluation efforts to document impact and adaptive management. 
• Community training efforts for replication within the landscape.