Heard of it yet? Yes, this is is the new decade for climate and biodiversity action. A decade on ecosystem restoration.
And from the look of things, we are on the hopeful path of leading in the creation of solutions. From planting and monitoring of trees, to safeguarding and protecting existing forest ecosystems, to sustainably managing and using the the gifts of nature. The solutions are right before us, we just have to step out of our comfort zones, and actually transform our promises and words to Action. Because ACTION is what counts in the end.
And so, on to a recap of what Blue Earth Organisation – organisers, Young Muslim Association, Kenya Environmental Action Network(KEAN) embarked on to mark our entry into the decade, and action for grassroots communities, a writeup by Green Treasures Farms.
Where: Mkupe bridge Miritini, Mombasa, Kenya.
Number of trees planted: 500 mangroves.
THE WORK
In a forest stretch where the local community forest association, along with the Kenya Forest Service, and local organisations have been driving mangrove restoration and conservation programs, the Miritini forest site is quite the delight! Through Blue Earth Organization, local youth and community have embarked on a huge Mangrove restoration journey – the plan – to plant 10,000 mangrove seedlings and monitor growth over the year. And for sure, so far over 1000 seedlings have been planted and now thriving. For the 30th January 2021 mangrove planting day at Miritini, this was not just about the planting. No, it was more about resilience and community leadership in safeguarding this coastal ecosystem. Joyfilled planting exercise, getting stuck in the mud, and helping each other plant seeds of hope – an assurance of climate mitigation & adaptation, including the associated co-benefits. And so, cheers to the 500 mangrove seedlings planted on this particular occasion. To Blue Earth Organisation and Young Muslim Association, YMA, we remain committed to joining your noble causes, and to transforming our communities together.
LESSONS:
1. Things will not change unless we make them to. For Blue Earth Organization and partners, this has been the motivation to do what they do best – agency-driven conservation.
2. Alone you may go faster, but together we can go far. Do not underestimate the power of people coming together for impact. From far and near, work with everyone genuinely willing to walk the journey. You’ll be surprised how many people are serious about the issues you are working on. It also will help grow your networks and friends base.
3. Documentation. Do the good work, but remember to also document the progress made. Your journey will inspire others to take action, just as it will make it easier for others to engage in the future. Write about it, take some photos and videos, publish content as you can, inspire others and have the footage to monitor changes. It is also a good place to inform and/or support research.
4. Support local groups. If anything, strive to empower and boost sustainable local businesses and ventures. For the Miritini forest, one way of doing this is by purchasing the community forest association run mangrove tree nurseries. It not only saves you transportation costs for seedlings, but gives a well deserved livelihood opportunity to the community, while definitely enhancing restoration efforts there.
5. Make allies with Nature. It is not about planting the seedlings. It is rather, more about the strong bonds between man and the environment. You protect and restore that which you value. So if you yearn to live in a serene, climate resilient surrounding, then it is a no-brainer that being pals with nature ticks the box. Spend time in the forest, explore the muddy ecosystems, know the tree and animal diversity around you, think of the free ecosystem services all can enjoy if we are at peace with Mother Nature, heal her and make a better world for yourself and for future generations.
Engage more in Mangrove restoration/conservation:
- Reach out to us at greentreasuresfarms@gmail.com or kean.network@gmail.com to connect you to local community-led initiatives driving restoration efforts
- While at it, we thought you’d want to check out the Mikoko Pamoja mangrove conservation, and its sister project, Vanga Blue Forest – with some quick notes here.
- Heard of Plan Vivo, an international organization that regulates carbon credits? See here.
- Check out and engage with BigShip Environmental Organization.
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As always, here’s to some moments for the day:
Green Treasures Farms 
Great work, we should tag along for a follow up on the progress of the seedlings.
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Definitely, that is the aim
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