This archive report was first published on 1 December 2019.
On a global scale, extreme weather events such as droughts, forest fires, and floods have underscored the threat of climate change to our survival. To address this issue, concerted efforts from governments, private sector players, NGOs, and the public are necessary.
Research indicates that tree planting is one of the most effective and cheapest ways to mitigate the effects of climate change. Trees trap atmospheric CO2, mitigating the challenges of global warming and climate change.
The Kenya government has committed to increasing the country's forest cover from 7.5 per cent to 10 per cent. A national campaign aims to plant 1.8 billion trees, a commendable goal that must be lauded. However, previous efforts have failed to attain set targets and guarantee sustainability.
Private sector players have also made commendable efforts to give back to society through tree planting initiatives. However, these efforts have been watered down by their disparate and ad-hoc nature. Most initiatives have treated tree planting as an event, rather than a delicate process requiring care and nurturing.
Equity Bank's newly-launched tree planting initiative is a refreshing approach to tree planting. The bank has committed to planting 35 million trees as part of its 35th anniversary celebrations. This initiative addresses major challenges facing tree planting in innovative ways, making it a model worth emulating.
Equity Bank is providing a solid financial backing for the initiative, addressing the funding challenge. The bank will also finance entrepreneurs to grow their nurseries, providing seedlings for the campaign and enhancing livelihood creation.
The initiative will be delivered in partnership with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), which oversees the forests. KFS will identify degraded forests, suitable species, and supervise proper planting. By making tree planting work, we can reverse environmental degradation and increase the chances of unleashing new benefits to the economy and society.
