Saturday, May 28, 2022, remains a significant date in the history of Green Heart of Kenya as it is the day the company launched its tree-planting program under the rewilding unit. The launch at The Sanctuary was attended by members of the community, local leaders, companies and organizations in Kilifi, local sustainability enthusiasts, stakeholders of Kivukoni School, and the residents neighbouring the development. Speaking during the launch, Matteo Contardo, the head of the rewilding program stated:
“Trees are important to our ecosystem. We are committed to ensuring that we plant as many trees as possible and ensure that most of them survive. For us, trees are life.”
Matteo Contardo
Mara, a storyteller and one of the neighbours to the project, presented a story in which she outlined the need to give back to mother nature as we are the stewards of the earth that has given us so much. The audience engaged her, agreeing that stewardship meant protecting, conserving, regenerating, and at times rehabilitating the natural ecosystem.
Lachie Gordon, the Managing Director of Green Heart of Kenya further indicated that the tree planting event was also a welcome to every stakeholder to be a partner with Green Heart of Kenya in its objectives and vision. “Today, we welcome each of you to be part of our vision to create a sustainable town and ecosystem that not only supports development but also preserves and enhances sustainable futures,” he noted.
The tree planting event culminated in the guests planting trees, a symbol of the rewilding work that will take place in the coming years. In collaboration with the Green Heart of Kenya Tree Nursery, the company has planted over 5,000 trees to ensure that 70% of the space is dedicated to nature. Lawrence Kahindi, the Manager of the Green Heart of Kenya nursery, rounded up the speeches noting, ‘“For us, tree planting is a symbol of what you want for nature. Take a moment and write a short message that you will leave with your tree after planting. Ask yourself what the tree means to you and write it.”
Green Heart of Kenya will continue with the tree planting exercise, forecasted to culminate in half a million trees being planted over the next 15 years.