In the 1960s, forests made up double-digit percentages of land in Kenya. Now, that number is only 6.6% as forests continue to suffer severe deforestation.

Providing the foundation for water collection in the African country, trees are absolutely critical to the local populations of animal and plant life—humans as well. These forests protect countless species and provide a habitat for ecological diversity to flourish. Furthermore, they serve as carbon “sinks” to absorb harmful climate-changing carbon from the environment. It is estimated that an enormous 20% of worldwide emissions may be due to deforestation.

Even more saddening, 20% of tree cover loss results in permanent deforestation.

 

Like many other deforested areas, there is a very strong correlational relationship with poverty. As local peoples have nowhere to turn, they begin cutting down trees irresponsibly just to survive.

The way to combat this is through proper education. By teaching local farmers how to properly care for native species of trees, they can then not only provide subsistence for themselves but also learn how to care for the environment instead of stripping it of its beauty.

By providing farmers with tree planting jobs we can make a powerful impact against poverty—but that is only the first step. As trees begin to make their way into the ground, Kenya’s habitat will start to flourish again.

Why is this so important?

Because Kenya is a goldmine of diverse species of plant and animal life.

• 1,847 species of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles: 3.8% are threatened
• 6,506 species of plants: 4.1% don’t exist anywhere on the planet

The message is clear: if nothing is done to help reverse the deforestation going on in Kenya, species will continue to die and more Earth will suffer—possibly permanently. And the more time that passes, the worse the situation gets.

That is why 8 Billion Trees has partnered with multiple groups to sustain and carry out our planting in Kenya:

• Eden Reforestation Projects
• ForestNation
• International Tree Foundation

By standing strong to begin making a change today—not tomorrow—we can put an end to habitat destruction in one of Earth’s most diverse and unique ecosystems.