On June 18, 2024, GLFx Nairobi led a tree-growing event at Oloolua Forest, bringing together students from four schools to plant 400 trees. This initiative is part of our broader project, Promoting Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships for Oloolua Forest Ecosystem Conservation and Restoration.
Schools as Key Partners in Forest Restoration
The schools bordering Oloolua Forest play a crucial role in the success of our restoration efforts. They provide both a physical buffer zone, reducing the risk of encroachment and fragmentation, and a human resource in the form of students who become ambassadors for conservation. By engaging students, we ensure that restoration knowledge spreads beyond the school to households and the wider community.
During the event, we planted a mix of indigenous species, fast-growing exotic trees, and fruit trees. Indigenous species help restore the natural ecosystem, while fast-growing trees provide rapid environmental benefits. Fruit trees, in particular, offer additional nutritional and economic value to students and schools, making them a long-term asset for both conservation and community development.
As part of our commitment to sustainable forest restoration, GLFx Nairobi recently visited four schools located along the boundaries of Oloolua Forest in Nairobi and Kajiado Counties:
- Olkeri Primary School
- Nkaimurunya Primary School
- Embulbul Primary School
- Embulbul Secondary School
During the school visits, we engaged with student environment clubs and school leadership to assess their restoration needs and preferences for tree growing. The students expressed a strong interest in hands-on conservation activities, including:
- In-class environmental education on tree growing.
- Field visits to restoration sites.
- Training sessions on selecting tree species suited to different soils and environmental conditions.
The schools also emphasized the importance of planting indigenous trees for biodiversity conservation and fruit trees for their economic and nutritional benefits.
Engaging students in conservation is one of the most effective ways to ensure the sustainability of restoration efforts. Beyond learning about restoration, these students take valuable knowledge back home, influencing their families and communities. By fostering youth leadership in conservation, we cultivate a generation committed to protecting and restoring Kenya’s forests.
At GLFx Nairobi, we believe that restoring Oloolua Forest is not just about planting trees—it’s about building a community of conservation champions. Through collaboration with schools and local stakeholders, we aim to create a lasting impact on both the environment and the people who depend on it.
Join Us!
We invite all stakeholders—students, teachers, parents, community members, and conservation organizations—to join us in safeguarding Oloolua Forest for generations to come. Together, we can make a difference!
Written By Canol Emeke
