A “Tree Holiday Planting Day” is a special occasion set aside for the purpose of planting trees, often organized as a community or environmental initiative. These events are typically scheduled during specific times of the year when tree planting is most favorable, such as the rainy season. The primary objective of these events is to contribute to environmental improvement, combat deforestation, enhance urban green spaces, and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
In this context, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the President of Kenya for establishing November 13th as Kenya’s inaugural Tree Planting Holiday. We anticipate that November 13th will become a widely celebrated tree planting holiday in Kenya and across Africa, much like Arbor Day in the United States. Arbor Day is a holiday that has been traditionally dedicated to planting and nurturing trees, with its roots tracing back to 19th-century America. Over time, it has expanded its influence to numerous countries around the world, with each adapting the date to align with their local climate and tree-planting needs. We are enthusiastic about embracing our own tree planting holiday on November 13, 2023.
Why tree planting holiday?
According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) 2020 statistics, Kenya’s forest cover is a mere 7.2%, which equates to approximately 3,467,000 hectares, a stark contrast to the global forest cover of 31%. Additionally, data from the Global Forest Watch reveals an alarming trend: Kenya lost 6.29 thousand hectares of natural forest in 2022, resulting in the emission of 3.29 million tons of CO₂. Such extensive deforestation has exposed Kenya to the adverse effects of climate change, leading to:
Disturbances in rainfall patterns, leading to more frequent and severe droughts in various regions, which disrupt agriculture, water supply, and food security.
Escalating temperatures, with Kenya experiencing a temperature increase of 1.9°C, surpassing pre-industrial levels.
Scarcity of water due to shifting precipitation patterns and increased evaporation, affecting both domestic water supply and agricultural irrigation.
Significant declines in crop and livestock yields, contributing to food shortages and surging food prices.
Ongoing deforestation and land degradation, which result in soil erosion, diminished agricultural productivity, and a loss of biodiversity.
These ramifications are intrinsically linked to the persistent decline in the country’s forest cover. To effectively combat the climate change crisis, it is imperative to restore and expand Kenya’s forest cover. The introduction of a Tree Planting Holiday by the President presents a promising avenue for addressing these pressing issues.
Benefits of Tree Planting Holiday:
The tree planting holiday promises to offer a myriad of advantages:
Environmental Benefits:
Carbon sequestration, as trees absorb carbon dioxide, mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas levels.
Enhanced air quality, with trees releasing oxygen and filtering pollutants, resulting in cleaner and healthier air.
Erosion control through the stabilization of soil by tree roots, preventing erosion.
Support for biodiversity by providing habitat and sustenance for a wide array of wildlife species.
Watershed protection by preserving water quality and safeguarding watersheds.
Community Benefits:
Cultivating community engagement, uniting people in pursuit of a common environmental cause.
Creating educational opportunities and raising awareness about the significance of trees and the environment.
Elevating the aesthetic appeal of urban and rural areas, making communities more visually pleasing and habitable.
Economic Benefits:
Augmenting economic value by elevating property values and fostering local economies through activities such as eco-tourism and sustainable timber production.
Encouraging a long-term, sustainable approach to land use.
Food Security:
Planting fruit and nut trees on tree planting holidays can serve as a source of fresh, locally grown produce, thereby contributing to enhanced food security.
Way forward.
For the successful realization of this initiative, several strategic measures should be considered, encompassing rainwater harvesting, collaborative efforts between local governments and community organizations, subsidizing tree seedlings, and prioritizing the planting of fruit trees to bolster food security. The Tree Planting Holiday represents a laudable step toward environmental conservation and a sustainable future. It embraces a comprehensive approach to addressing climate change, fostering community involvement, and enhancing the well-being of both current and future generations. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to going green, thinking green, and taking green action. Congratulations Mr. President for talking this bold step.
