Every tourist visiting the country will soon have to plant a tree, Tourism Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alfred Mutua has said.
Speaking during a tree planting exercise, Mutua stressed that the move will help preserve the country’s ecosystem and biodiversity.
“Tourism heavily relies on the preservation of biodiversity and ecosystems. Tree planting remains a continuous and pivotal exercise undertaken by the ministry to preserve the country’s ecosystem,” the CS said.
The latest comes as part of the government’s ambitious plans to plant 15 billion trees in a move meant to combat climate change and establish green spaces for future generations.
Mutua stated that his ministry will foresee the implementation of the initiative in collaboration with stakeholders in the tourism industry including hotels, tour companies and tourism agencies
“The “One Tree per Tourist” initiative underscores Kenya’s commitment to expanding its tree cover and combating climate change, aiming to mitigate carbon emissions, foster biodiversity, and establish green spaces for future generations.”
The “One Tree per Tourist” initiative underscores Kenya’s commitment to expanding its tree cover and combating climate change, aiming to mitigate carbon emissions, foster biodiversity, and establish green spaces for future generations.#OneTreePerTourist#NationalTreePlantingDay pic.twitter.com/ZqdHIDvRs6
— Dr. Alfred N. Mutua (@DrAlfredMutua) May 11, 2024
15 billion trees
President William Ruto announced plans to ensure the country plants five billion trees in five years.
The Head of State announced in 2022, stating that the program would be implemented through the Special Presidential Forestry and Rangeland Restoration Programme.
“The objective is to grow 5 billion trees in the next 5 years, and an additional 10 billion trees by 2032.
“This will eventually lead to the rehabilitation and restoration of 10.6 million hectares in the 290 constituencies, as well as some specially selected ecosystem and water towers threatened by degradation and destruction,” he said.
“Agro-forestry and farming of avocados, mangoes, and macadamia will also open new value chains for our export market, creating new green jobs in the sector.
“I, therefore, urge all Kenyans to support the government’s call to grow at least 15 billion trees in the next 10 years. To achieve this target, every Kenyan should grow 300 trees.”
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