The government has launched an initiative aimed at having visitors to the country plant trees, contributing to the goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.
Dubbed "One Tourist, One Tree," this campaign encourages both stakeholders and travelers to engage in tree-planting activities to preserve and replenish the nation’s rich biodiversity.
Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtua emphasized the importance of balancing tourism development with conservation, particularly for competitive destinations like Kenya. He noted that the influx of both local and international tourists will help the country reach its tree-planting targets.
"Tourism is a major economic driver, contributing 10% of our GDP and providing jobs for one in ten people worldwide," he stated. However, he also pointed out that the sector accounts for about 8% of greenhouse gas emissions.
During the kickoff of the United Nations World Tourism Day in Kisumu, where he led a tree-planting session at Kajulu Hills, Ololtua urged stakeholders in the hospitality sector to designate areas for tree planting.
He affirmed the Ministry's commitment to environmental conservation, highlighting the importance of traveler participation in increasing the country's forest cover.
"As a Ministry, we are dedicated to realizing the government's ambitious reforestation agenda. Today, we are calling on every visitor to contribute to elevating Kenya’s status as a leading sustainable tourism destination in Africa and beyond," he remarked.
Every traveler will have the opportunity to plant a tree, helping to offset their carbon footprint while enjoying Kenya's natural beauty.
The initiative will be implemented in partnership with various stakeholders in the tourism industry, including hotels, tour operators, and community organizations.
Ololtua announced that the Ministry will adopt Kajulu Hills as a key conservation area to protect its biodiversity and indigenous trees.
"The Ministry will also support the community in transitioning to clean energy solutions, reducing reliance on charcoal and deforestation," he added.