From Niels Bartels, ANA Travel Editor in Nairobi, Kenya
AfricaNewsAnalysis’ Travel Editor, Niels Bartels attended the travel expo “Magical Kenya 2024“ in Nairobi. Before the travel expo started, he went – among others – to Rusinga Island which is located in Lake Victoria.
It is famous for its serene landscapes, clean beaches and a great variety of bird species and therefore an attractive destination for eco-tourism.
We stayed in the “Rusinga Island Lodge“. After our stay there, we planted a tree and took part in the “One Tourist, One Tree” campaign.
Kenya’s “One Tourist, One Tree“ campaign is an inspiring project that combines environmental protection with tourism. The initiative was started by the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife and the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) to encourage tourists visiting Kenya to plant a tree.
With this project, the nation’s forest cover will increase and sustainable tourism will be promoted. The initiative supports Kenya’s national objective of reaching 30% tree cover by 2032. At least 15 billion trees must be planted to meet this goal, and visitors will be crucial to its accomplishment.
The campaign underscores the significance of striking a balance between environmental conservation and tourism development by including tree planting into the tourism experience. This strategy establishes Kenya as a top destination for ecotourism while simultaneously assisting in the fight against deforestation. The programme is being carried out throughout Kenya’s nine tourism circuits, guaranteeing that improved biodiversity and more tree cover will be felt in every area. The surrounding communities take an active role in promoting sustainable practices and offering assistance.
One participant of the group which went to Rusinga Island and took part in the campaign was Carmen Davis who is from the USA and works for “Culture Travels“ as a fashion and travel writer.
She said: “Planting a tree to me was more than marking “my foot steps“, it was about hope, inspiration, freedom. It was about truly laying down my roots, but not just for me, but for the generations before me and after me. As a black American, planting a tree in the motherland – with my feet in the soil and dirt under my nails was less about planting a tree and more about coming home“.
The campaign also creates jobs in tree planting and therefore boosts local economies.
Additionally, it encourages visitors to make beneficial contributions to the environment. The campaign was inaugurated during Kenya Tourism Week in Kajulu Hills Forest in Kisumu County. John Olotua, the principal secretary for tourism, and June Chepkemei, the CEO of KTB, took part in the tree planting events. The “One Tourist, One Tree” initiative is a component of a larger plan to advance environmentally friendly travel and eco-tourism.
Kenya wants to reduce its carbon impact from tourism and protect its natural environments for coming generations, so it is encouraging visitors to plant trees.
Among the important species being planted are indigenous trees which are essential for maintaining the natural balance of the ecosystem. The Acacia, Croton and Mugumo trees are a few examples.
Furthermore fruit trees such as guava, avocado and mango will be planted. They contribute to reforestation while also giving local residents access to food and income.
Another important species being planted are the so-called “medical trees“. Famous examples for that are Neem and Moringa. They are known for their therapeutic qualities and planted as part of initiatives to support regional health customs.
These varied species guarantee that the reforestation initiatives are long-term and advantageous to the surrounding populations as well as the environment.