Conservation and Sustainability
Our environment shapes life as we know it, influencing ecosystems, climate, and biodiversity. Here, we explore pressing environmental issues, conservation efforts, and sustainable solutions that impact Eastern Africa and beyond. Join us in understanding the delicate balance of nature and how we can protect it for future generations.
Kakamega Forest, Kenya's sole tropical rainforest, continues to unveil its botanical treasures. A recent and remarkable discovery has captivated conservationists and researchers alike: the identification of the Diplocyclos palmatus, a rare climbing vine previously unrecorded in this vital ecosystem. This find is more than just a scientific footnote; it's a testament to the forest's hidden… Continue reading The Diplocyclos palmatus: A Deep Dive into Kenya’s Recent Discovery in Kakamega Forest
Today, on World Bee Day, we should remember how important bees and other helpful insects are. These "silent heroes", like butterflies, bats, beetles, and birds, do more than just make honey. They are crucial for the health of our planet, making sure we have enough food and a stable economy. Their hard work helps almost… Continue reading World Bee Day: The Vital Role of Bees in a Changing Environment
Mushroom farming, the controlled cultivation of edible fungi, is a sustainable and increasingly popular agricultural practice worldwide. For some, like myself, a viewing of programmes such as Clarkson's Farm, Series 3 Episode 6, which explored the intriguing world of mushroom cultivation, piqued my interest. This method often involves growing mushrooms on a substrate, which is… Continue reading Unlocking the Potential of Mushroom Farming
MAY As you travel through Kenya, particularly the western and central parts, the vibrant orange-red blooms of the Nandi flame tree often catch the eye. Known scientifically as Spathodea campanulata, this tree is a striking feature of the landscape, easily recognized by its large, tulip-shaped flowers. While its common name links it to the Nandi… Continue reading The Kenya Nandi Flame Tree: A Burst of Colour in Our Landscapes
Kenya's beautiful natural areas—from its misty highlands to its sunlit coasts—are intimately linked to its forests. These ecosystems are more than scenic landscapes: they support biodiversity, regulate water and climate systems, and underpin major sectors of the national economy. However, a revealing document—the National Forest Resources Assessment Report 2024, released in February 2025—shows that ongoing… Continue reading The Billion-Dollar Loss: How Cutting Down Trees Hurts Kenya’s Economy
In the quiet power of trees lies an untapped engine of economic transformation. Eastern Africa’s landscapes—diverse, rich, and historically mismanaged—are increasingly becoming home to a burgeoning commercial forestry sector. Yet, this transformation isn’t just about planting trees and waiting for profits to sprout. It’s about smart investment, sound science, and long-term vision. Commercial forestry in… Continue reading Commercial Forestry in Eastern Africa
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, affecting ecosystems, societies, and economies worldwide. To truly comprehend the gravity of this crisis, it’s important to dive into the books that have shaped our understanding of the climate emergency. This collection highlights works that range from scientific investigations to political analyses, showcasing… Continue reading Best Books to Read About Climate Change: Essential Reads for Understanding the Crisis
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. Uses The utility of African sandalwood… Continue reading African Sandalwood: A Valuable Tree under threat
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