The government has initiated the planting of 15 billion trees by 2032, this exercise has continued since January 2023 and is scheduled to take place across the country.
This will help restore 5.1 million hectares of deforested and degraded landscapes through the African Landscape Restoration Initiative, launched on December 22, 2022.
Above all, this will combat the crippling effects of deforestation. This threat has contributed enormously to the severe drought experienced by the country.
Here are the potential benefits this program could have for the country’s environment.
Water Conservation – Trees reduce soil erosion and runoff, and help recharge groundwater by slowing and filtering stormwater, reducing flooding.
This exercise can be very useful when conducted in flood prone areas.
Trees provide habitat and food for a variety of wildlife, including birds, insects, and mammals.
This exercise can be a very good means of restoring nature.
Trees absorb pollutants like nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, which can improve air quality and reduce breathing problems.
Trees do this through a process called phytoremediation, where they absorb pollutants from the air.
Rich resource pool, trees can provide valuable resources such as wood, fruits and nuts.
Planting trees can also create jobs in forestry, landscaping and tree care.
Trees can transform a barren landscape into a lush green oasis.
Their vibrant colors and shapes can add variety and depth to an otherwise dull environment, creating stunning visual impact as well as shade and comfort.
Trees can reflect sunlight into the atmosphere, which can help reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the ground.
This can be especially useful in urban areas.
In summary, if this tree planting campaign is carried out with the utmost care and the best possible method, Kenya will reap a wealth of benefits to its environment.
www.the-star.co.ke
https://www.the-star.co.ke/sasa/word-is/2023-04-14-one-tree-at-a-time-lets-restore-our-forests/
