Kenya joins the world in marking Earth Day 2020

The Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Mr. Julius Kamau, together with the Wangari Maathai founded Green Belt Movement Kenya, joined the rest of the world in marking Earth Day 2020 celebrations at Wangari Maathai Corner in Karura Forest.

Earth Day is an International annual event marked on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. The theme for this year is Climate action.

A total of 50 assorted indigenous commemorative tree seedlings were planted to mark the 50th anniversary since Earth day was first celebrated in 1970. This activity was conducted with strict adherence to guidelines outlined by the National Emergency Response Committee on the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his remarks, the CCF encouraged Kenyans across the country to undertake tree planting on their individual farms and gardens during this rainy season in support of mitigating the adverse effects of climate change such as floods and landslides being witnessed in the country and across the world.

“It is crucial for Kenyans to rally together to heal planet earth by planting trees so that it can heal us in return,” noted the CCF.

To demonstrate this, Mr. Kamau planted Warbugia ugandenis commonly known as “Muthiga”; a tree species known for its medicinal value.

“By planting this medicinal tree, nature will heal, and in the same breath, it’s my prayer that the same healing spirit will heal Kenya and indeed the entire world from the current Corona pandemic,” added the CCF.

Present during the exercise was the GBM-Kenya Board Chair Ms. Marion Kamau and Karura Forest Station Manager Mr. P Musembi, among others.