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.
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?
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
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 to 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… Continue reading COP16 Riyadh Summit: Tackling Desertification, Drought, and Land Restoration
Tea farming is a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy, particularly in the fertile regions around Mount Kenya. However, deforestation and soil degradation have created environmental challenges, prompting a shift toward sustainable practices. Initiatives like the Mount Kenya Sustainable Landscape and Livelihoods (MSuLLi) program are empowering farmers to adopt reforestation and explore carbon credit opportunities, ensuring a… Continue reading Sustainable Tea Farming in Kenya: Carbon Credits and Reforestation
Balancing Safety and Sustainability Tree cutting along roads with power lines is often seen as a necessary but controversial task. While it may not be glamorous, it’s a critical practice for ensuring safety and maintaining reliable electrical supply. Overgrown trees near power lines pose significant risks, from power outages to fire hazards, making regular tree… Continue reading Managing Tree Cutting Along Roads with Power Lines
Nestled in southwestern Uganda, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is a critical habitat for the endangered mountain gorilla. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not just an ecological treasure; it sustains local communities that rely on it for their livelihoods. Yet, human activity and environmental pressures continue to threaten both the forest and its iconic residents. Conservation… Continue reading Bwindi Impenetrable Forest: Protecting Gorillas and Empowering Local Communities