Tree heroes: Dorothy Naitore
Dorothy Naitore, a passionate environmentalist from Meru, Kenya, is leading efforts to restore degraded forests and promote sustainable living.
Dorothy Naitore hails from the lush, vibrant region of Meru, located in the Upper Imenti Forest, Mount Kenya. This area, known for its rich biodiversity and traditional significance, is home to the second-highest peak in Africa and serves as a natural migratory route for elephants, with the Lower Imenti Forest acting as a seasonal elephant maternity ward.
Dorothy, a proud mother of four, has dedicated her life to preserving and restoring these precious ecosystems, working tirelessly to ensure a sustainable future for her community and beyond.
Family is at the heart of Dorothy's journey. She understands the importance of nurturing the next generation and instilling in them a deep respect for nature. Her commitment to environmental conservation began in earnest when she started working with the International Tree Foundation in 2021. As the Secretary and ITF project contact person of Meru Forest Environmental Forest Conservation & Protection group (MEFECAP), Dorothy has played a crucial role in fostering community cohesion and environmental stewardship in Meru.
In her capacity with ITF, Dorothy has been a driving force behind numerous conservation initiatives. She has been instrumental in restoring 200 hectares of degraded forest land in partnership with MEFECAP, Kenya Forest Service, and Kenya Wildlife Service.
Under her leadership, 500 energy-saving stoves have been installed, significantly reducing the community's reliance on the traditional three-stones cooking stove, which are less sustainable, use large loads of firewood and produce heavy smoke causing respiratory issues.
Dorothy's passion for tree planting and nursery work is evident in her daily activities, where she leads by example and inspires others to join the cause.
Dorothy's favorite tree is the Meru oak, a unique and traditional tree native to her region. She appreciates the Meru oak not only for its ecological benefits, such as providing a habitat for bees and aiding pollination, but also for its utility in agroforestry and timber production.
Dorothy believes that growing trees is akin to raising the next generation. She emphasizes the vital role women play in conservation, challenging the outdated notion that only men can plant trees. Through her work, she demonstrates that women are equally capable of tackling climate change and fostering environmental resilience.
Dorothy's achievements are a testament to her hard work and dedication. She championed the establishment of the Kithoka tree nursery, which now produces over 70,000 indigenous tree seedlings annually, all of which contribute to local reforestation efforts. This nursery, supported by ITF, not only restores degraded land but also creates employment opportunities for women and youth. Dorothy finds immense joy in seeing the positive impact of her efforts, knowing that the trees she helps plant today will benefit her community for generations to come.
In recognition of her tireless efforts and significant contributions, Dorothy Naitore truly embodies the spirit of a tree hero. Her story is an inspiration to many, demonstrating the profound difference that dedicated individuals can make in the fight to preserve our planet’s precious ecosystems.
This article first appeared in Trees, ITF’s annual journal
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