Restoration of Ecosystems & Forest Conservation: Reviving Ecosystems.
At the Green Belt Movement (GBM), we work at the intersection of environmental restoration, community empowerment, and climate justice. Guided by the vision of our founder, Nobel Peace Laureate Prof. Wangari Maathai, we address the urgent challenges of ecosystem degradation, climate change, and socio-economic inequality through holistic, community-led solutions. Our mission is grounded in three core pillars that drive impact across Kenya’s landscapes and communities:
Watershed-Based Ecosystem Restoration
- Indigenous Tree Planting: Prioritizing drought-resistant species like Croton megalocarpus to stabilize soils and recharge aquifers.
- Agroforestry: Boosting food security and incomes for 5,000+ farmers through fruit trees, fodder species, and nitrogen-fixing plants.
- Forest Protection: Partnering with Kenya Forest Services (KFS), Kenya Defense Forces (KDF), schools, and volunteers to safeguard water towers like Mount Kenya and Aberdare.
GBM Ten-Step Procedure
A structured and community-driven approach that guides tree planting activities from awareness to long-term stewardship.
Creating Community Awareness
Educating communities on the importance of trees, natural resources, rights, and responsibilities.
Group Formation
Establishing nursery groups, electing officials, defining conduct, identifying sites, and inviting GBM staff.
Registration
Groups receive and sign registration forms, attach member lists, and submit to headquarters.
At the Nursery Site
Securing a suitable site, collecting seeds, creating seedbeds, sowing, and registering with authorities.
Quarterly Report
Completing reporting forms, counting seedlings, recording plant-ready trees, and forming network committees.
Stakeholder Consultation
Identifying public lands, promoting nursery species, signing evaluation forms, and preparing forester reports.
Mobilizing Hole Digging
Organizing community digging teams, preparing manure, setting planting dates, and developing planting plans.
Tree Planting
Packing, transporting, and planting seedlings while documenting activities and guiding stakeholders.
First Follow-up
Checking survivals, replanting, addressing challenges, nurturing young trees, and appointing a green ranger.
Final Follow-up
Conducting survival verification after 3–6 months, reporting reforestation activities, and empowering networks.
Community-Led Nurseries: Engines of Sustainability
GBM’s network of 5,000+ community nursery groups, also referred as Tree Nursery Groups (TNGs) to drive restoration by:
- Growing Climate-Resilient Seedlings: Producing 8 million indigenous trees annually.
- Training & Capacity Building: Equipping communities with skills in seedling propagation, soil conservation, and sustainable land management.
- Livelihood Integration: Linking nurseries to income streams like beekeeping, bamboo farming, and eco-tourism.
Grow Trees, Grow Hope
Together, we can restore Kenya’s forests, protect our environment, and empower communities. Join the movement that’s turning green dreams into action.