Innovative app enables clients to 'book', plant indigenous trees

Juma Dennis Orengo shows a painting depicting the message of impact of cutting down trees. The mural was done on the City Hall premises before it was destroyed during the anti-government protests. [Courtesy]

As the world grapples with climate change, the urgency for effective environmental action has never been greater across the globe.

The loss of indigenous trees and depletion of forests represents more than just a reduction in biodiversity, and also signifies a deepening crisis in the entire ecosystem.

As the world manoeuvers through the global challenge, environmental enthusiast Juma Dennis Orengo has developed an application to boost tree planting and environmental conservation.

Orengo has been focused on preservation of indigenous trees, many of which are under threat of extinction.

Silver Oak, among other indigenous trees, are often targeted for illegal logging due to their economic value. Their over-exploitation for profits has pushed them to the brink of extinction.

Orengo's application dubbed "Social Justice App" gives a beaming hope in the fight against complete extinction by tackling the problem of accessibility.

The platform is designed to streamline the process of acquiring and planting indigenous trees by connecting individuals, organisations and schools with indigenous seedling nurseries.

According to Orengo, users can book seedlings through the platform specifying their location and preferred tree species.

Orengo and a team of experts from Kenya Forest Service then recommend the type of trees to plant depending on the region's suitability to ensure that people plant trees in the right conditions.

"Getting an indigenous tree can be difficult and very expensive. Some people want to plant trees but they do not know where to get the seedlings. The application is bridging that gap by helping the users navigate the complexities of tree planting," says Orengo, adding that they are distributing the seedlings free of charge.

Launched in 2023, the app represents a significant leap forward in embracing environmental technology towards reforestation.

With a bias toward indigenous trees, Orengo says the Social Justice App is not just about planting trees, it is also about replanting hope by empowering communities on the benefits of indigenous compared to exotic trees.

"I am biased in the conservation of indigenous trees because many are facing the threat of extinction and people have planted exotic trees which are not habitable by birds and bees, compared to the indigenous trees," says Orengo.

"Kenya Forest Service provides seeds and we develop the seedlings. Experts from KFS help to monitor them before they are ready for distribution," he adds.

According to a joint report titled "Planning Conservation Action for Kenya's Threatened Trees" released in December 2020, there are more than 1,100 native tree species, 40 of which are widespread. However, more than ten per cent of Kenya's tree species are threatened with extinction.

Besides schools and organisations, Orengo says individuals celebrating personal milestones such as birthdays and anniversaries also purchase trees on the application.

The innovation received recognition during the inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS) held in Nairobi in September 2023, hence giving them a platform to publicise the application and the youth's contribution in developing it.

In addition to digital solutions, Orengo's team has embraced creative methods to raise awareness about environmental issues through street plays and mural paintings in high-traffic areas.

"These visual and performative strategies complement the app's digital outreach, ensuring that the message reaches a diverse audience. Incorporating arts in environmental conservation has worked because it is cheaper and efficient, and we can reach more people," he adds.