The individual who coined the term ‘lungs of the earth’ displayed remarkable insight, providing humanity with a potent metaphor for contemplating the significance of trees.
Trees play a pivotal role in sustaining life on our planet, offering a plethora of benefits crucial for both ecosystems and humanity. From mitigating climate change to fostering biodiversity and bolstering human health, the importance of trees and reforestation cannot be overstated.
Kenya has witnessed a distressing decline in forest cover over the years. The rate of deforestation has fluctuated, but it's estimated Kenya loses 0.3 per cent to 0.5 per cent of its forest cover annually. This loss can be primarily attributed to illegal logging, agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, charcoal production and urbanisation.
Deforestation poses significant environmental, social, and economic challenges, including soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, disruption of water cycles and adverse effects on climate patterns. Consequently, Kenya has implemented various conservation and reforestation measures to address this issue and restore its forest ecosystems.
The narrative of trees must be reiterated until it permeates the consciousness of all inhabitants of our planet. The scientific explanation must continue to be disseminated so the younger generation grows up understanding and sharing it.
Carbon sequestration, in which trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and generate oxygen, is crucial for maintaining Earth's freshness. Trees play a constant role in mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stabilising Earth's climate. Given the escalating emission of greenhouse gases, tree cultivation is imperative and cannot be viewed from any other perspective.
Forests serve as habitats for a significant portion of the world's terrestrial biodiversity, providing shelter for countless plant and animal species. The loss of forest cover translates to the loss of numerous animal species in Kenya and globally.
President William Ruto has set an ambitious target for Kenya to plant 15 billion trees by 2032. To fulfil this commitment, the President has mobilised his Cabinet and Kenyan citizens. The Ministry of Environment recently issued a schedule for Cabinet secretaries to lead tree-planting initiatives for the next six months, a remarkable effort not only in Africa but worldwide.
On Friday, May 10, declared a public holiday by the government, CSs led Kenyans from all walks of life to plant trees in depleted forests across the country. Illegal logging in Siongiroi forest, located in Chepalungu, has led to large treeless patches, exemplifying the situation in many forests.
It was heartening to witness schoolchildren, ordinary citizens, and politicians join hands in planting seedlings. Some individuals expressed frustration at delays caused by political speeches, emphasising their primary objective of tree planting.
Despite the challenges of flooding, the rain has rejuvenated all parts of Kenya, making tree planting during this period a cause for enthusiasm. The President has directed the Kenya Defence Forces, of which he is the Commander in Chief, to participate in tree planting across the country.
"We decided we are going to plant 15 billion trees across the country. I want to ask the KDF to lead the way and provide the mechanism for them to champion tree planting over the next 10 years," Ruto stated. He spoke during the passing out parade on Tuesday at the Defence Forces Recruits Training School in Uasin Gishu county. This platform is crucial for advocating tree planting, as new soldiers may consider it a lifelong commitment and career.
Tree roots play a vital role in preventing soil erosion by anchoring the soil, reducing the risk of landslides, and preserving fertile land for agriculture. Many areas across Kenya have experienced landslides and flooding due to heavy rains. Regions with sparse tree cover have suffered the most from soil loss, with many roads destroyed by the rains.
Increasing tree cover is essential, as future occurrences could exacerbate these challenges. Forests play a crucial role in regulating the water cycle, influencing rainfall patterns, preventing floods, and maintaining water quality by filtering pollutants.
As previously mentioned. trees act as natural air purifiers, filtering harmful pollutants and matter from the atmosphere and thus improving air quality and human health. Interestingly, the brain is the organ that consumes the most oxygen in the human body, despite accounting for only about 2 per cent of body weight. It utilises approximately 20 per cent of the body's oxygen supply due to its vital role in controlling bodily functions, including cognition, movement, and sensory perception.
Forests also play a critical role in supporting agricultural productivity by maintaining soil fertility, regulating water availability, and providing ecosystem services that support crop pollination and pest control. This is essential for food security, a pursuit Kenya is vigorously undertaking. Improved air quality resulting from trees filtering pollutants from the air significantly reduces respiratory diseases such as asthma and lung diseases, thereby enhancing our health.
Access to green spaces and natural environments has been linked to improved mental health outcomes, including reduced stress, anxiety, and depression. Engaging in outdoor activities in forested areas promotes physical fitness, reduces sedentary behaviour, and lowers the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.
Trees and green spaces have therapeutic effects on human health, enhancing recovery rates in hospitals, reducing pain perception and promoting overall well-being. Urban forests and green spaces serve as gathering places for communities, fostering social connections, reducing social isolation and enhancing overall quality of life.
Therefore, trees and reforestation are indispensable for the health of ecosystems, societies, and individuals worldwide. By recognising the importance of trees and implementing robust reforestation initiatives, we can address pressing environmental challenges, promote sustainable development, and safeguard the health and well-being of current and future generations in Kenya and the world.
It is imperative that we heed Ruto’s call and act decisively to protect and restore our forests, ensuring a greener, healthier, and more resilient planet for all. Through their multifaceted contributions to ecosystems, climate stability, and human well-being, trees play a central role in shaping our planet's future.