History

In December 2021, our organization, One Million Trees 4 Kilifi, witnessed the birth of a remarkable addition to Malindi’s landscape – the Buntwani Waterfront Park. Nestled beside the pristine Indian Ocean, this park perfectly embodies our vision to create a greener and more vibrant city for our community.

Over the years, Buntwani Waterfront Park has lost some charm and allure due to increased pollution and a lack of greenery. As One Million Trees 4 Kilifi, our organization is committed to environmental preservation, and we could not bear to see this precious public park lose it’s meaning.

Clearly, something needed to be done to restore its beauty and revitalize it for the community to enjoy. With an unwavering dedication to environmental preservation, we took it upon ourselves to transform Buntwani into a lush and captivating green space. Our mission was twofold – to beautify the park and embrace the natural splendor of the nearby Indian Ocean. We envisioned a place that offered a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life and fostered a strong connection between people and nature.

The Value of Green Spaces and Butwani 

Importance

Green spaces are not just aesthetically pleasing; they play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for urban dwellers. Butwani, being the only public park in Malindi, holds special significance for our local community. 

It serves as a gathering spot for families and friends and a place for leisurely strolls, picnics, and recreational activities. 

As an organization, we understood that a well-maintained park could foster a sense of community and bring people closer to nature, resulting in improved physical and mental well-being.

Our Vision

Recognizing the importance of green spaces, we set out to revitalize Butwani and make it a green sanctuary for all. Our goals were multi-faceted:

 Creating Shade and Reducing Wind and Dust: We embarked on a tree-planting campaign, carefully selecting diverse trees to provide much-needed shade for visitors and act as a natural barrier against the relentless winds and dust from the nearby ocean.

  Educational Opportunities: We saw the project as an opportunity to educate the community about the significance of trees and their role in the environment. By introducing a variety of tree species, we created an excellent platform for fostering learning about biodiversity and ecological conservation.

 Community Engagement: Tree planting became a bonding experience for families and the entire community. It strengthened social ties and instilled a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the park.

 Preserving Endangered Trees: In our efforts to beautify Butwani, we also played a part in preserving endangered tree species, thus contributing to the region’s biodiversity conservation.

Challenges Faced and Overcoming Adversity

Throughout the project, we encountered several challenges:

1. Water Availability: Initially, some of the trees we planted did not survive due to a lack of water. To address this issue, we collaborated with the local government and park management to secure a borehole, ensuring a steady water supply for the newly planted trees.

Tree replacement 

2. Human Interference: Despite our efforts, human interference from park visitors threatened the growing saplings. 

We initiated a public awareness campaign to counterthis, educating visitors about the project’s objectives. Additionally, we organized tree-planting family events, encouraging the community active participation in nurturing the green space. 

Positive Outcomes and Community Engagement

Our perseverance and dedication were fruitful in the following ways:

1. A Cleaner and Greener Space: Butwani transformed into a cleaner and greener space, attracting more visitors and fostering a sense of pride among the locals.

2. Multi-Stakeholder Engagement: The project fostered engagement and collaboration among various stakeholders, including government bodies, the local community, and environmental enthusiasts. This united effort contributed to the parks restoration and maintenance.

3. Creation of Employment Opportunities for Youth: The project also generated employment opportunities for the youth of Kilifi, promoting sustainability and socio-economic development.

Conclusion

The transformation of Butwani, spearheaded by One Million Trees 4 Kilifi, is a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the significance of green spaces in improving the quality of life. The success of our project has created a lasting impact on the people of Malindi, inspiring them to cherish and preserve this newfound gem in our city. As we continue to recognize the importance of green spaces, let us support and engage in such endeavors as a united community to create a greener, healthier, and more sustainable world for future.