Going Green with 3M+ Trees

Over the last decade, Segera has been a catalyst for change by engaging in vital conservation projects that have brought back to life 50,000 acres of degraded land, which is now teeming with thriving wildlife populations and reforested with hundreds of thousands of newly planted trees.

Trees play an integral role in our planet. They are the silent warriors that not only dot our landscapes with shade but also hold our ecosystems in place. A 2020 report from UNEP and the Food and Agriculture Organization found that, in the past 30 years, 420 million hectares of forest had been lost through conversion to other land uses (which is larger than the size of India), and that another 100 million hectares are at risk. The long-term effects of deforestation have a critically negative impact on the ecosystem, affecting not only plant and animal life but also the well-being of human communities who rely on the fertility of the land for their prosperity.

As efforts to restore forest cover gain full momentum around the world, we embarked on an initiative to replenish deforested land here on Segera through the Tree of Life Reforestation project. Spearheaded by the ZEITZ foundation and with support from our guests and partners, we aim to grow three million trees by 2030. This will be East Africa’s largest reforestation project on a private conservancy.

The first phase of the planted forest in 2020 formed the shape of a rhino, which highlights the importance of conservation and biodiversity. Towards the close of 2023, over 800,000 seedlings had been planted, a step closer to the initial goal of one million trees.

In consultation with local experts, six different indigenous tree species were chosen to maximize the long-term success of the ‘Tree of Life’ forest: Acacia abyssinica, Acacia kirkii, Acacia polyacantha, Acacia seyal, Acacia xanthophloea, Acacia mellifera. Planting these trees is essential in replenishing deforested land. They create a rich habitat for biodiversity, enhance topsoil fertility, reduce erosion, and help to offset carbon emissions.

“In recent years we have seen an alarming amount of climate change, biodiversity loss, and natural disasters. Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm, it’s about actively doing more good. Planting trees is such a simple way to give back to our planet (that everyone can get involved in, on a large or small scale) – not just to offset carbon emissions, but to create a safe, long-term wildlife habitat that is critical for the future survival of biodiversity.” Jochen Zeitz, Founder, ZEITZ foundation

An exciting aspect of this initiative is the force running behind its implementation. More than 60 women drawn from the greater Segera community are involved in various aspects of this project. From soil preparation to bag-filling, seed scarification, planting, and initial watering of the seedlings, these amazing women have found the means to earn an independent income and support their families.

Florence, a mother of 7, joined the program in 2020 and is now enjoying a full-time contract. “I can now comfortably cater for my children’s education as well as household needs,” she says. Esther Imaret, a widowed mother of 5, shares the same sentiments. “I am happy I can now take my children back to school and they can now afford to eat all their meals.” Since her employment, she has gained a great deal of conservation knowledge and shares it with her children and community.

Eunice Ewaka, also employed by the initiative, mentions that she has since stopped cutting down trees to use for firewood as she can now afford alternative methods of fuel. The women have now formed a self-help group which has gone a long way in empowering them and their communities. They have become conservation champions who safeguard and plant more trees in their communities.

Engaging in vital conservation projects such as reforestation strengthens our mission to achieve long-lasting positive impact and sustainability. At only $1 per tree, every donation makes a real difference towards protecting Kenya’s biodiversity for the future, and everyone can take part.

DID YOU KNOW:

Guests can take part in a run around the Rhino forest! Dubbed the “Rhino Run”, this fitness challenge is an opportunity to run in the incredible wild, while raising awareness on the incredible Tree of Life Reforestation Project.