Visuals, Stories, Insights
JANUARY Jacaranda mimosifolia, a deciduous tree reaching up to 20 meters, is known for its striking blue-violet flowers, which bloom twice a year. These flowers, often seen in clusters before leaf growth, cover the ground beneath the tree in a vivid purple carpet, creating a distinctive and picturesque scene. In Nairobi, the main blooming period… Continue reading Jacaranda mimosifolia: A Blooming Indicator of Seasonal Change
The 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2nd-13th December 2024. Marking three decades since the establishment of the UNCCD, this was the first time the conference was hosted in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)—a… Continue reading COP16: Riyadh Summit Tackles Desertification, Drought, and Land Restoration
I watched the Upload show on Amazon Prime and thought it was just another TV show—entertaining, but fictional. Then I stumbled upon Pantheon, and for the first time, I heard the term Uploaded Intelligence. Naturally, I had to Google it to determine if this was just some scientific mumbo-jumbo or something real. What I found… Continue reading Uploaded Intelligence: A Fascinating Glimpse into the Future
Tea farming has long been a key pillar of Kenya’s economy, especially in the fertile regions surrounding Mount Kenya. However, the environmental pressures of deforestation and soil degradation have necessitated a shift toward more sustainable practices. Programs like the Mount Kenya Sustainable Landscape and Livelihoods initiative (MSuLLi) are empowering farmers to adopt practices such as… Continue reading Sustainable Tea Farming in Kenya: Carbon Credits and Reforestation
Tree cutting along roads with power lines is often viewed as a necessary but unpleasant task. While it may not be the most glamorous aspect of infrastructure management, it is an essential practice that sparks debates and raises concerns. The primary reason for this is simple: overgrown trees near power lines pose a serious risk… Continue reading Managing Tree Cutting Along Roads with Power Lines: Balancing Safety and Sustainability
Deep in the mist-covered hills of southwestern Uganda, the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest stands as a sanctuary for one of the world’s most endangered species: the mountain gorilla. For the communities living on the forest’s edge, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is not just a global treasure but a lifeline that sustains their livelihoods. However, the… Continue reading Bwindi Forest: Protecting Gorillas, Empowering Communities
In June 2023, I made my first trip to Ol Kalou, a town over 2,300 meters above sea level in Nyandarua County. The cold hit me as soon as I arrived. The road from Nairobi to Ol Kalou passes through Gilgil, offering scenic views along the way. Just before reaching the town, I passed Lake… Continue reading Ol Kalou, Nyandarua
Beekeeping plays a vital role in preserving nature, supporting agriculture, sustaining livelihoods, and ensuring food security. However, its potential remains underutilized in forestry and development programs due to a lack of awareness among stakeholders. Bees’ pollination activities are crucial for the survival of over 100,000 plant species, including trees like the Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa),… Continue reading Role of Beekeeping in Forest Conservation
Off the coast of Wasini Island in Kenya, a remarkable initiative is restoring seagrass meadows, driven by a fishing community determined to revive their marine ecosystem and livelihoods. They are members of the Wasini Beach Management Unit (BMU), a community-based organization responsible for managing and ensuring the safe and effective use of fishing grounds. Over… Continue reading Reviving Seagrass in Wasini for Marine Life and Livelihoods
Eucalyptus timber, widely used in construction and furniture making, requires a precise drying process to reduce its high natural moisture content. This step is critical for maintaining the wood's structural integrity and preventing defects such as splitting, warping, and collapsing. In Kenya, there is no standardized drying program for eucalyptus, and many methods are adapted… Continue reading Eucalyptus Timber Drying in Kenya