Tree Planting in Kenya

Climate Stewards are working with local partner Watersheds Ecosystem Conservation (WEC), supporting churches and schools around Kitui in central Kenya to plant indigenous trees on their sites. Each site will lock up about 200 tonnes of CO₂.

Climate Stewards is supporting a local Kenyan NGO, Watersheds Ecosystem Conservation (WEC) to work with churches and schools near Kitui in central Kenya, to plant indigenous trees on their sites. To date they have planted at 13 sites, each between one and two acres, with a fast-growing indigenous species – mukau (Melia volkensii). They estimate that these trees will lock up at least 2,672 tonnes of CO₂ over the 15 year project period.

As part of the Climate Stewards Seal of Approval, they work with all our project partners to carry out a detailed risk assessment. The results of this are applied to our carbon calculations, so that our estimates are cautious and take account of known and anticipated risks. They hold a significant “insurance buffer” of carbon stocks for forestry projects to ensure that they deliver at least as much CO₂ savings as calculated.

Church and school leaders have seen the success of similar projects nearby and are excited by the prospect of creating shady areas on their compound, improving the soil structure and preventing erosion. As trees grow, communities are able to use thinnings and prunings for firewood. Everyone gets involved with planting

Most trees will be grown on a continuous rotation basis, harvesting the trees after 15-20 years to generate a crop of sustainable timber which they can use or sell for use in construction or furniture in the future. Knowing the value of such a timber crop, churches and school are keen to replant trees immediately they are removed.

Before, during and after planting, WEC works with the church or school community to train them in the practical aspects of tree planting and management as well as the biblical teaching on caring for the environment. At some sites they have funded beehives and training, to provide additional source of income. Church members take their new-found knowledge home to care for trees on their own land too, creating a natural multiplier effect.