A community-led effort to restore and protect Dundori Forest

Project update

24 Aug

Written By International Tree Foundation

Last year, we partnered with Wezesha, a community-based organisation. And together, we launched an ambitious tree-planting campaign to restore Dundori Forest in Nakuru County, Kenya.

A vital ecosystem under threat

Dundori Forest is a precious ecosystem located in Kenya's Great Rift Valley. It is home to a diverse range wildlife. And is a vital source of food, water and fuel for neighbouring communities.

However, the forest is under threat from deforestation for charcoal burning and over exploitation. These activities are causing severe land degradation. And local people are uncertain about their future.

Njoroge Nguru who lives nearby the forest has seen first-hand the devastating effects of the deforestation and over exploitation. But he is determined to help reverse this trend and believes that community involvement is essential.

"I have witnessed dry springs and streams, drought, and all its associated problems," Njoroge said. “Forests are an extremely valuable resource. I wake up every day with a mission to rally my community to conserve our forest, and plant more trees on our farms”.

Since last year, we’ve been working with WEZESHA, a local community based organisation. And together, we’re supporting local community forest associations and self-help groups to plant and grow native trees that will help protect this vital ecosystem from further degradation.

And below you can see drone footage of our planting sites within the forest.

Over 200,000 trees planted to protect Dundori Forest

Since our partnership with Wezesha began, we’ve planted over 200,000 trees including threatened native trees like African cherry.

These trees will help protect Dundori Forest in a number of ways.

They will provide a home for wildlife, protect the soil from erosion, and regulate the water cycle - creating a stable supply of clean water for local communities.

And as local communities continue to care for the trees planted, they will ensure that Dundori Forest remains a healthy and productive ecosystem for generations to come.

Community members working together to plant trees in Dundori Forest.

We’re really excited to continue working with Wezesha and local communities. Together, we will plant and grow more trees that will help restore and protect Dundori Forest for current and future generations.