Conservation and Sustainability
APRIL African sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata), a small tree or shrub native to East Africa and parts of Asia, is treasured for its fragrant wood and essential oils. Known for its diverse medicinal, cultural, and commercial applications, this species has become a symbol of both natural wealth and ecological vulnerability. A Multipurpose Tree of Great Value… Continue reading African Sandalwood: A Fragrant Treasure on the Brink
East Africa continues to reveal incredible natural wonders. Deep in the misty Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania, scientists have found a towering new species of rainforest tree that may have stood for 3,000 years. This amazing discovery was made by botanist Andrea Bianchi, along with local plant experts Aloyce Mwakisoma and Ruben Mwakisoma. While exploring the… Continue reading Timeless Sentinels: A Newly Discovered Species of Ancient Trees in Tanzania
Water scarcity has long been a pressing issue in Uganda’s Isingiro District, particularly in the Nakivale and Oruchinga refugee settlements. With over 132,000 refugees in the region and a dwindling supply of clean water, the situation has been grim. However, the Kagera Water Project—a €73 million initiative funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD)—promises… Continue reading The Kagera Water Project: A Lifeline for Refugees and Host Communities
MARCH Senna spectabilis, also known as Cassia spectabilis or Spectacular Cassia, is a fast-growing, medium-sized tree admired for its brilliant yellow flowers. Originally from Central and South America, it has made its way across the tropics, including Africa and Asia, where it’s been introduced for its ornamental value and rapid growth (CABI, 2023). Origin and… Continue reading Senna Spectabilis: Beauty or Ecological Threat?
Nestled in the lush landscapes near Arusha, Meru Eco Camp and Napuru Waterfalls offer a perfect blend of adventure, tranquility, and eco-conscious travel. Whether you're a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, this destination provides an unforgettable experience. Meru Eco Camp: A Sustainable Escape Located on the slopes of… Continue reading Meru Eco Camp and Napuru Waterfalls: A Hidden Gem in Arusha
A quiet crisis is unfolding in South Africa’s Succulent Karoo. This region, spanning approximately 111,000 square kilometers from Namibia's Luderitz through South Africa's Richtersveld, Namaqualand, Hantam, Tanqua, Roggeveld, and into the Little Karoo, is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity. Home to the world's richest succulent flora, the Succulent Karoo boasts around 6,350 species of vascular… Continue reading The Silent Plunder: How South Africa’s Succulents Are Being Stolen to Extinction
Water hyacinth, with its lush green leaves and delicate purple flowers, might look harmless—beautiful, even. But beneath that deceptive façade lies one of the world’s most aggressive aquatic invaders. In Kenya, this plant has become an ecological menace, choking vital water bodies, suffocating aquatic life, and disrupting livelihoods. A Troubled Introduction Originally from South America,… Continue reading Water Hyacinth: Kenya’s Silent Green Invader
FEBRUARY Introduction Acacia senegal, also known as Senegalia senegal, is a small, thorny, deciduous tree native to semi-arid regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, Oman, Pakistan, and parts of India. Commonly referred to as the gum arabic tree, it holds immense ecological, economic, and medicinal importance. Its most valuable product, gum arabic, is a key commodity in… Continue reading Acacia senegal: The Multipurpose Tree and Its Valuable Product – Gum Arabic
The torrential floods that battered Kenya and Tanzania in 2024 were not isolated weather events but the culmination of several environmental and human-induced factors. With over 300 fatalities, hundreds of thousands displaced, and widespread destruction of farmland and infrastructure, the disaster underscored the urgent need for climate resilience strategies. To understand the severity of these… Continue reading The 2024 Kenya-Tanzania Floods: Unpacking the Environmental Triggers and Lessons for the Future
JANUARY The Jacaranda mimosifolia, a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall, is renowned for its stunning blue-violet flowers that bloom twice a year. These vibrant flowers, which often appear in clusters before the leaves grow, create a breathtaking purple carpet beneath the tree. In Nairobi, the main blooming period occurs between… Continue reading Jacaranda mimosifolia: A Blooming Indicator of Seasonal Change