Youth turn to planting trees as income venture

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Forest conservation training in Taita Taveta Taveta. [Hezron Kimari, Standard]

Towet, an eco-activist of the Havoc Organisation, said they engage in conservation through collaborating with other institutions like schools, communities, and universities in research.

"We research some of the problems facing various organisations or institutions where after carrying out the research, we offer solutions," said Collins.

He said currently, they are running several programs within the community which advocate for good policy-making toward promoting the environment.

"We have projects like 'Saving a planet', where the public is encouraged to keep the environment clean by dumping plastic bottles in dustbins, after which they earn some points. Another project is 'Green carpet' which we conduct every year mainly targeting professionals, leaders, and corporates to discuss matters of climate action," said Towet.

On her part, Wughanga, an Agro-forestry and Rural Development graduate, said her love for trees at a young age inspired her to select the course.

Kenya Forest Research Institute said it had been tasked to produce tree seeds for commercial and conservation purposes, and it will team up with the youths to plant the trees.

Before the workshop, the youth toured Taita forests like Ngangao, a rain forest managed by Dawida Biodiversity CBO to learn how to turn conservation to a money-making venture.

Amos Mwamburi, a butterfly farmer within Ngangao Forest, earns his upkeep from the sale of pupa to Kipepe farm based in Malindi.