We are taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge 2021, where you can double your donation and plant more trees in Kenya’s Saiwa National Park wetlands.

Kenya’s Saiwa Swamp National Park wetlands are at risk. Years of eucalyptus cultivation, over grazing, artificial fertilizers and illegal wood harvesting have degraded this beautiful land.

The wetlands are a vital source of natural resources for local communities as well as being home to countless animals, wildlife and trees. There’s a scramble for the remaining resources which is worsening poverty levels, exacerbating environmental damage and threatening the vulnerable wildlife population.

Planting seedlings in Saiwa National Park

But we’ve been running a project to help restore these beautiful wetlands. By planting the right trees in the right place we can reduce degradation, protect wildlife and transform communities.

Donate now to restore Kenya’s Saiwa National Park wetlands, and your donation will have twice the impact, thanks to the Big Give Christmas Challenge.

Maurice

Maurice is one of the project leaders, he said, “For us to improve the environment, everything rotates around a tree. Ranging from soil erosion control, air purification, medication and many more values which trees provide to humans and nature.”

Enable us to realise this dream

As part of this project, local farmers are being trained in grafting and planting trees. One beneficiary said, “The project has really helped us in many ways. First, when we plant trees, soil erosion is reduced. We get wood from the trees which we can later sell on and generate income from it. We also get medicine from the trees. The trees also help in breaking wind which protects other smaller vegetation from breaking or falling.”

So far we have planted 30,000 trees with our local partners. But there’s so much more to do.

“If funded, our future plans are to raise up to 1 million seedlings to be planted within the Saiwa Swamp National Park catchment area,” says Maurice. “We need more donors to come on board to enable us to realise this dream.”

How the project helps

By working through the local community, we will teach people to propagate and grow native species. Some of these trees will reforest the Saiwa National Park, creating a buffer zone and improving the land for animals, plants and people.

Other trees will be planted on farms and homesteads as a vital resource for the community. These trees will take the pressure off of the National Park, while improving farm productivity, soil quality, and ecosystems. The trees will provide food and medicine while seedlings can be sold to provide a sustainable income.

We are also planting trees in local schools which will teach the next generation to be environmental stewards – ensuring the wetland will be respected and protected for generations to come.