Lamu archipelago, with its beautiful white sandy beaches, sand dunes, mangrove forest, and tranquility, is being threatened by poor waste management and especially plastic pollution.
In 2019, Kenya’s President gave a directive banning single-use plastics in protected areas like forests, beaches, parks, and conservancies. The directive was to take effect on 5th June 2020.
By Caroline Kibii Parthenium pullout 2021 started with a hive of activities at the Nairobi National Park, one being the Parthenium pullout, an action that primarily attracts conservationists; most, if not all, are members of the Friends of Nairobi National Park. This time, the activity attracted members, friends, and employees of Sri Sathya Sai International…
Brian Gisore Nyabuti, 23, won the challenge. He leads a group of young men and women in Kibera slums, managing solid waste.
After several months of active engagement in sensitization on keeping protected areas clean and dimming single-use plastics, my conclusion is that behavioural change towards plastic pollution is fundamental.
Pollution in protected areas is a major problem threatening the prosperity of biodiversity. The challenge intensifies in areas where heavy human traffic is witnessed. It is worse during this era of a global pandemic that has grounded many to domestic tourism.
On the 24th of November 2020, we partnered with the Indigenous Women and Girls Initiative to create sensitization on adopting agroecology and growing trees as viable mechanisms for adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change. It was held in Kisonei Baringo County.
Plastic pollution in protected areas is still a significant problem despite Kenya’s ban on plastic carrier bags in 2017 and the ban on manufacturing and importing single-use plastics that took effect on 5th June 2020.
Our team participated in a park reforesting exercise at the Nairobi National Park, an activity organized by the KWS and ICRC on Saturday the 17th October 2020
Dimming Single-use plastics is an online sensitization programme educating the public on the dangers of single-use plastics and plastics in general on the environment.
As part of our Mazingira Mtaani initiative to sensitize more people on the importance of environmental conservation and the fundamental value of growing trees, Enviro Wild spearheaded a productive discussion while planting trees with the staff and the visitors of Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp on 31st October 2020 within the yards of the camp. The…
In the wake of bans on single-use plastics by many countries worldwide, waste management remains a huge challenge.
Parks are biologically rich; they are sanctuaries and havens to many animals and plants. Any slight human error endangers their survival.
A weed that hinders cultivation, resistant to drought, sprouts almost immediately after uprooting and poisonous. Prosopis Juliflora!
My name is Mana Omar. I am the founder and CEO of spring of the arid and semi-arid lands {SASAL}; an NGO registered in September 2020, whose mission is to work with the ASAL communities to improve climate resilience.
It is in this regard that Enviro Wild, 3Es experience, and ‘Where is Vivienne’ embarked on a journey to address pollution in protected areas from the source through the Waste Free Park Initiative
Tree Nursery Nursery- Enviro Wild Enviro Wild established a small tree nursery in Kukwembei Village of Baringo County, run by volunteers and young kids from within the village. The trees are mainly exotic and fruit trees. Tree growing at Holy family Ngetmoi Catholic Church Tree growing exercise at Ngetmoi catholic On 23rd September 2020, Enviro…
I found the Green Town Initiative about one and a half years ago, based in Bomet County. Its main objective is to inspire healthier living through environmental conservation
I am the founder of TLC4Environment, an environmental initiative based in Kenya with an online presence focusing on environmental awareness and campaigns mainly in ecological social justice. TLC generally stands for tender, love, and care!
From a unique attraction; point for bird watching, crocodiles, and its ox-bow shape to a playing field. Lake Kamnarok was once in the limelight for good reasons
Author: Anita Soina Who is Anita Soina? I am Anita Soina, a 20-year-old passionate environmental Warrior. I am a 3rd-year student at Multimedia University, pursuing a bachelor’s of arts in PR and Corporate Communication. I’m also an artist Manager at Shirko Media, Brand Ambassador at Lake Basin Dental and Orthodontic Centre, and digital marketer. I…
Lake Bogoria, formerly known as Lake Hannington, is a closed-basin saline lake formed through tectonic and volcanic activities. It is located south of Lake Baringo and the northern part of the Equator.
Lake Baringo, a freshwater lake, is famous for its islands, unique bird species, hippos, and crocodiles. The lake region is inhabited by diverse communities from the Tugen, IlChamus, and Pokot communities.
My heart and passion are in sustainable travel. Travel that not only respects the local people’s norms and culture but promotes healthy ecosystems and fosters economic growth
Fire incidences constantly ravaging forests, parks, conservancies, and other protected areas is not a new phenomenon. It is a challenge experienced far and wide, in developing and developed countries, caused by both human-actions and natural aspects.
I have since taken to Twitter to champion climate action and environmental conservation. Following the mass tree planting at the Gongoni forest in Buda Complex, my colleagues and I established a tree nursery consisting of 28 different indigenous species, amounting to 3300 trees
I started an environmental blog called Nyika Silika in 2012 while still in university to inform my family and friends on my travels and the importance of wildlife conservation
I have been planting trees since I was ten years old! However, I actively engaged in environmental activism when I was in high school through the Environmental Club that I found in 2016. After clearing high school, I found the Tree Growers Association of Kenya, which is based in Kenya.
Climate change has in the recent past orchestrated debates, misunderstandings, and misinformation. As it stands now, climate change is a human problem that has found itself at the center of political discussions.
I am a blogger currently based in Nairobi, Kenya, promoting sustainable living and wildlife conservation through www.chechewinnie.com, which I started in 2017.
Aside from the science behind environmental conservation, climate action, enforcement of laws, and regulation is the inspiration to adopt a positive attitude towards nature.
I want to show the ugly side of travel and see solutions coming out of it. I have to say that I have seen some amazing ones, such as FliFlopi. (The boat made from hundreds of flip flops)
We are not masters of other creatures on earth; instead, we are successors upon the earth and have a responsibility to ensure we don’t abuse our title and protect the environment for other generations to come. “Indeed, We (God) offered the trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, and they declined and…
PaTree Initiative is an idea born out of passion and the zeal to help Kenya attain 10% forest cover by incorporating school pupils in tree planting
Most safari drives begin at 6.00 am when most animals are within a close watch. However, with the pandemic, trips start slightly late because everyone entering the Kenya wildlife service premise must have their body temperature checked.
Urban pastoralism is a less discussed topic due to its rarity in cities and towns because of the lack of enough space to support such a livelihood.
Covid-19 came at a time when the world least expected. It halted every activity and plans; reduced events to virtual.
The curfews, cessation of movement, lockdowns, and restriction to access to certain areas left most urban dwellers, especially in Nairobi, to find solace, strength, and revitalize in the few available parks, gardens and forests.
Climate change has not only enslaved women pastoralists but subjected them to continued retrogressive cultures such as Female Genital Mutilation
The effects of climate change are heavily felt among the pastoral communities because of their unique ways of life that almost entirely depend on natural resources
Both countries have a huge potential to venture into the wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, and biogas productions. However, lack of prior knowledge among the locals, corruption, and lack of funding are some of the evidenced hindrances.
I echo the arguments of fellow scientists who believe that- planting a zillion trees is not enough to address climate change. Reducing carbon emissions should be given a stronger focus than it is receiving now
The greatest concern in addressing climate change is how to minimize the amount of carbon being emitted into the atmosphere from different sources. One of the ways is using charcoal briquettes.
Climate strikes have gained a lot of consideration significant. To awaken the slow-paced governments, citizens, private and civil society, climate and conservation activists have had to hit the streets
Climate Change is a problem affected all across the globe. Therefore, everyone has a role to play. Enviro Wild will host a series of discussions by bringing on board different individuals involved in different activities that address climate change.
Trees play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. Tree planting can be done by anyone in any part of the world at any given time.
The weight political decisions carry in the climate world is huge. However, most of us don’t realize that the kind of leaders we elect, and the policies passed influence the way our communities and countries address climate change.
How is climate change a hoax, yet we are directly experiencing the effects already, changing weather patterns, increased atmospheric temperatures, heatwaves, desertification, wildfires, drought, and famine?
I am a little concerned about the poor disposal of the face masks. We know for sure most of these masks are single-use products.
VIDEO- What do you know about green spaces? How significant are they to the urban dwellers, street families, and environment? What role do you play in ensuring their sustainability? How responsible are you when using parks, forests, gardens? What is your say?
On April 1, 2020, the COP bureau of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), with the UK and its Italian partners, decided to postpone the COP26, which was to take place in Glasgow. COP26 was to be hosted by the UK in partnership with Italy in November 2020.
we are facing a global pandemic. A monster that has costed several lives; destabilized the day-to-day operations of both young and old; rich and poor; third-world and superpower nations. THE PLANET IS CLOSED FOR REPAIRS! Coronavirus, better known as COVID-19, is a source of misery.
As Keith says, technology, and not only the new technology is integral when it comes to exploiting and conserving natural resources. Notably, the indigenous knowledge should not be overlooked as it has been in existence for ages and is still fundamental in so many ways.
A discussion with Caroline Chelal, an Environmentalist on biodiversity loss. The issues discussed centered on the Significance and causes of biodiversity
WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic after it became a global problem. The situation is worsening every day as new cases are recorded. Countries that had previously not registered any coronavirus case have at least one or more trials testing positive while many are in quarantine.
The much anticipated SEforALL Forum, which was to be held in June 2020 in Kigali Rwanda, has been postponed until 16-18 February 2021 because of COVID-19.
I choose to celebrate the extensive work of the late Prof. Wangari Maathai, whose resilience, dedication, and hard work opened the way for me and others who thought studying environmental science is nothing but learning about forests.
On March 3rd, 2020, we celebrated the World Wildlife Day with the theme “Sustaining all life on Earth” while urging everyone to ‘Do One Thing Today to help conserve the world’s biodiversity.’
Kenya’s Finance Act 2019 that was consented into law on 7th November 2019, resulted in a couple of amendments, including the reduction of the corporate tax for companies operating plastic recycling plants. The tax reduced by half from 30% to 15% a move the Kenya Revenue Authority says it is a way of encouraging the recycling of plastic products with a long-term goal of reducing potential harmful effects on the environment
The use of open fires is an everyday affair in most developing countries, Kenya included. It is almost obvious for any rural home in our country to have the 3-stone fire, let alone improved clay-cook stoves.
Lake Bogoria, formerly known as Lake Hannington, positions itself as a unique marine ecology with an unusual array of microbes, hot springs and hosts millions of flamingos every year. Lake Bogoria is an alkaline lake considered to be twice as salty as seawater. That means fish cannot survive in it.
At 4.30 am, we embarked on an exploratory journey from Nairobi to climb Mt. Kenya with one intention, to get to Shipton’s camp, 4200m above sea level, which is the last point before climbers try to submit the peaks; Nelion, Batian, and Point Lenana.
Mt. Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa and the highest in Kenya at 5199m above sea level. Exploring Mt. Kenya presents you with rivers, springs, rare plant and animal species, dense forests, glaciers, and snow. You get to experience high altitudes, alpine, and montane vegetation
What we know about Climate change and energy Climate change is undeniably a global problem that requires urgent action from all quotas; private and government agencies from the grassroots to national and the international communities. The effects of climate change have been felt far and wide both in the developing, emerging and developed nations- remember…
A few months later, Emma co-founded an organization called TOWARDS A BETTER INITIATIVE (TBEi), with a primary objective of promoting environmental conservation and protection through education, tree planting initiatives, cleanup exercises, and educative open forums.
A few years ago, climate change was not close to reality among most farmers in Kenya. Climate change was a non-issue; it was business as usual for them. The start and end of short and long rains were known to everyone. It rained almost the same time every year.
You will either encounter an elephant carrying one or more humans crossing the road or several warning signs of ‘elephants crossing.’ If you wish to explore further, go inside the villages, you will come across elephants chained and tethered within a short radius. Domestication is evident
The lake has been inscribed as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in Myanmar hence joining the World Network of Biosphere Reserves but faces massive pollution from the residents and tourists
Old Bagan is one of the oldest most visited places in Myanmar because of its thousands of pagodas dating back to the 11th century. Bagan was inscribed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2019.
Old Bagan, to date, remains one of the protected and reserved areas the country treasures.
Myanmar could still solve the solid waste menace that could sooner or later chase away tourists. Tourism is a crucial source of revenue for this developing nation; losing tourists will have a toll on the economy
The situation in Myanmar needs serious attention. Other nations can learn from it. Lack of environmental regulations on air quality that govern against dangerous emissions is an apparent problem in most developing countries that, if not checked, will cost many lives
In the past, little was done to conserve the environment. The effects of those damages are being felt far and wide by everyone irrespective of their social, political, or economic classification.
Thus, it is paramount to bring up a generation that knows the value of what is within their surroundings, how to care for them, and sustainably utilize them.
We now need to acknowledge the significance of trees beyond the economic value. Practice tree growing as opposed to the ceremonial tree planting. Nurture them. Prioritize it to avert the potential damage resulting from soils left bare. Practice agroforestry if you have a small portion of land.
You and I are victims of our bad habits. Let’s face reality. We lack the initiative to dump our solid wastes responsibly. We feel like it is not our obligation to dispose them off in designated areas
I advocate for a circular economy. In that case, I think renewable energy is the way to go if we need to manage the ever-growing population cheaply while minimizing the harm we cause on our environment. Clean energy is a source of good health.
The ban is supported under Kenya’s 2010 Constitution article 42 that mandates the government to assure and provide a safe and clean environment for all Kenyans.
Article 69 of the same constitution, on the other hand, mandates the state to eliminate activities and processes that are likely to damage the environment.
Karuru waterfall sits well inside the Aberdare National Park at an altitude of 10508 feet and 3187 meters above the sea level. It is duped the longest waterfall in Kenya with two others overlooking from the adjacent side of the cliff, giving a spectacular view.
If the bank decided to fund the coal project, then it would be leading by double standards and would have betrayed the citizens of Kenya and the world who have been against the project from the beginning.
Speaking to Grace during the Clean Cooking Forum 2019 that took place in Nairobi from 5th to 7th November, she draws her inspirations from the late Prof. Wangari Maathai’s
Hummingbird story, ‘I will be a Hummingbird: I will do the best I can.’
As we advocate for clean cooking energy solutions as one way of addressing climate change and reducing illnesses associated with polluting energy sources, we must take these discussions closer to the main victims.
On the 3rd day of my stay in La Digue, we decided to take a walk around the island. We planned to complete the full circuit. After ¾ of our walk, we encountered a challenge, it started drizzling, the tide was high, and the waves were strong. I wasn’t brave enough for it, so I turned back. Remember, I could not ride a bicycle- I walked alone.
Household air pollution has been described as a silent tsunami during the ongoing Clean Cooking Forum 2019 taking place in Nairobi.
World Health Organization says 3 billion people globally still cook and heat their homes using polluting fuels such as kerosene, wood, and dung, while over 4 million people die every year prematurely of indoor pollution.
Turning wastes into energy sources such as briquettes is another approach that is becoming popular due to the rising demand, especially among the urban folks who do not want to use the normal charcoal because of the health and aesthetic implications associated.
I spoke to a few youths during a Renewable Energy Leadership Program for young in Africa held in Arusha Tanzania
While the progress towards achieving a 100 percent renewable energy planet is encouraging, the potentials of the rural communities to generate energy has not been exploited fully. They lack the necessary support.
The greatest hindrance is the bureaucratic tactics to an extent the excess energy goes to waste, yet the citizens have no access to power.
Walking is a daily activity in Seychelles. More so, in La Digue, where you can either cycle or walk. There are no public buses.
Hey! Don’t you want to explore? I find walks to be a better way to explore a particular place than when being picked at one point and dropped in another by car
The congestion in major towns causing massive traffic jams is brought about by the increasing personal cars and small public service vehicles. Instead of having 500 cars each day with just one occupant each, why not hop into a bus, reduce congestion, save time, reduce air pollution, and address global warming.
Inculcating a tree planting culture, particularly among children at a young age develops a generation of persons who are cautious about their surroundings. The children will grow up knowing that they are responsible for a clean and healthy environment. The children will not allow the destruction of green spaces; they will champion for their conservation.
Instances of heatwaves in Europe, the United States of America, and across Asia to Africa have been recorded. It is a global problem. Hurricanes and cyclones are now occurring even in areas that were least expected. Rains have become erratic- farmers dependent on rain-fed agriculture are profoundly affected which eventually result in low yields hence food shortage.
Capacity building on the significance of conserving the forests is paramount. Without knowledge and understanding, it would be useless asking people to be your gatekeepers. Educate young people about nature and allow the community to participate in natural resource management.
I ask the Ministry of Environment through the Cabinet Secretary CS. Tobiko not to relent in this quest to save Mau. Do not let politicians cloud your judgement. Do not postpone this project; don’t even let it cool down. Let it be done once and for all. While still on that, consult with the relevant agencies, give people notices, affirm your stance, and act as the law directs. Leave a lasting legacy, just like the late Prof. Wangari Maathai did.
I am pro-forest conservation. Essentially, I support the eviction. However, the evicted persons should be relocated to other areas that they can call home and continue their regular activities — a place where the children will be able to continue their education.
If the forest is not protected, then we risk clearing all trees that act as windbreaks, carbon sinks and regulate climate among other functions. A forest of such a vast magnitude like Mau if deforested will turn into a desert. The springs, rivers, and lakes whose tributaries start from the forest will dry up. Underground aquifers will dry up. Water is life, without it might be the end of us.
I consider Ngare Ndare forest a place to meditate while bonding with nature. The fact that walking takes place under the thick forest brings solace. The walk alone is calming. At the waterfalls, keeping off unnecessary noise; the natural sound from the trees, birds, and the waterfall itself offers an excellent opportunity to meditate. That is what most people go there for. To have a peace of mind, soul-search and maybe reconnect with nature.
Despite the notable increase in forested areas when we compare the year 2000 and 2016 as per the figures above, people’s need to meet their daily demands continue to destroy natural habitats. Because of the threats animals are exposed to, they are forced to migrate in search of safer areas.
Unfortunately, my actions will deny my grandchildren or even my children a chance to see certain animals. They will only read them from history books just like I did about the passenger pigeons that were common in North America only to be wiped out of existence on the arrival of Europeans who hunted them for meat.
Fighting climate change calls for worldwide collective action. We need to speak in one voice. Every nation needs to commit to reducing the number of carbon particles it emits into their atmosphere as a result of their daily operations.
The lake is drying, leaving muddy areas that trap animals who frequent the lake for water. Elephants are regular victims. Water hyacinth is another disaster choking the lake. The lake is a critical resource to the county, especially the tourism sector. Thus, it is the responsibility of the county government to be at the forefront of saving the lake
The effects are long-term and irreversible. Why would we want to create a world that is uninhabitable to us and our future generations? Barely a month ago there was a heatwave across Europe. A few days ago, another heatwave was reported to be responsible for several deaths in the United States of America.
Such occurrences signal serious problems ahead if we continue to go on business as usual without considering the potential consequences of our actions.
This was a tough hike. We had been warned. We hiked along the sea, serving ourselves with a beautiful view. However, the terrain was steep. With the chains installed on some areas made it possible for hikers to support themselves from falling, especially on sharp, rocky sections. That just tells you how hard this hike was.
I hold dear memories of Liguria; because of the food (Focaccia di Recco) and hiking along the Sea to the Gulf. The Hiking part which was done under the hot sun was challenging, given that some areas were rocky, steep, and risky to the extent of using chains for support against falling.
The fact that these cars are silent reduces noise pollution common with fuel-powered cars; are electric hence uses renewable energy thus reduces the amount of fossil fuels burned ultimately reducing the amount of carbon particles escaping into the atmosphere. Renewable energy is clean; no exhaust fumes being generated therefore air pollution does not occur.
The World Oceans Day 2019 was celebrated on Saturday 8th June with one core aim- to stop ocean pollutions. Pollutants in the oceans end up in our bodies through food, water, and air; thus, it is time to say NO to #PlasticDiet by taking charge of our wastes.
We have reached a point where we are scared of the outcome of a dead sea. Can you imagine how it will feel, smell, and look like when you live or work close to a dead sea? By this, I mean, where there is no life in the sea; when all aquatic plants and animals are dead and rotting.
The major water towers in Kenya are under threat of deforestation. Aberdares and Mau forest complex are among the areas that have been threatened by human settlement, agriculture, and logging. The country’s population is growing, encroachment into such vital sites is not about to end not unless viable strategies are applied.
In the quest of keeping our environment clean, reducing the amount of solid wastes generated is critical. Recycled materials depending on what they are, encourage innovativeness and appeals to senses.
The combustion of fossil fuels emits carbon particles that accumulate in the atmosphere affecting the air quality and trapping heat energy leading to increased atmospheric temperatures hence global warming.