MALINDI — In a significant expansion of its environmental conservation efforts, the Absa Kenya Foundation has initiated the second phase of its mangrove restoration project at the Sabaki Estuary in Malindi. This phase involves the planting of 200,000 mangrove trees, building upon the 150,000 trees already planted in 2023 across Jomvu Kuu and Majoreni Forests in Mombasa and Kwale counties.
The initiative is part of the Foundation’s broader commitment to plant and nurture 10 million trees across Kenya by 2032, under its Natural Resource Management pillar. This effort supports the Kenyan government’s national target of planting 15 billion trees by the same year.
Speaking at the launch event, Absa Bank Kenya’s Chief Finance Officer, Yusuf Omari, emphasized the critical role of mangroves in maintaining biodiversity and protecting coastal communities. “Mangroves play a critical role in maintaining biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and protecting coastal communities from natural disasters,” he said. “This initiative will not only enhance the natural beauty of our coastline but also provide benefits such as erosion control, improved water quality, and biodiversity conservation.”
Mangroves, often referred to as the “lungs of the coastline,” are powerful carbon sinks capable of absorbing up to 900 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Their intricate root systems also act as natural barriers against extreme weather events like storms and tsunamis, reducing wave energy and shielding coastal communities from potential devastation.
Community involvement remains a key component of Absa’s approach. The bank has previously partnered with grassroots organizations such as the Gazi Women Group in Kwale County, promoting inclusive green jobs and sustainable livelihoods, including eco-tourism and small-scale aquaculture.
“Preserving and restoring mangroves can help create sustainable development pathways, fostering economic growth while safeguarding natural heritage,” added Omari. “Planting mangrove trees is not a choice, but a necessity for the health of our planet and the well-being of future generations.”
To date, the Absa Kenya Foundation has collaborated with the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Community Forest Associations (CFAs), and local communities to support reforestation efforts in key catchment areas, including the Aberdare Forest, Mau Complex, and Sorget Forest in Kericho County. The Foundation’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship underscores its role as a proactive force in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development across Kenya.
