Kenya's mangrove forests are among the country's most critical habitats in the fight against climate change. These vital ecosystems serve as essential breeding grounds for marine life, shield the coastline from storms and act as powerful, natural carbon sinks, storing up to four times more carbon per hectare than traditional forests, says Husqvarna. 

Despite their extraordinary ecological value, Kenya's mangroves have faced extensive degradation due to urban expansion, deforestation and overharvesting, threatening biodiversity and coastal communities, adds the company. 

In response to this alarming trend, ambitious environmental restoration initiatives are taking root along Kenya's coast and in select inland areas. The Kenyan Mangrove Restoration Projects are a collaborative initiative between Husqvarna and veritree and Earthlungs, says the company. 

According to Jonas Willaredt, Vice President of Sustainability Affairs, Strategy and Business Development at Husqvarna Forest and Garden, the projects' progress highlights the growing importance of collective action for conserving wetlands.

"Through our partnership with veritree and Earthlungs, we aim to promote knowledge, support local communities and champion tree planting. So, it is appropriate that on World Wetlands Day (2 February), we were able to share that the restoration initiative in Kenya is showing promising results, with over 400 000 trees already secured for planting," says Willaredt. 

Willaredt says that the restoration of the mangrove forests will bring multiple environmental and social benefits by supporting:

  • revitalisation of local biodiversity
  • adaptation to local climate change
  • enhancement of local communities, and 
  • prevention of local landscape erosion.

"While the environmental benefits are significant, it's the community impact that makes this project truly transformative, as it demonstrates how environmental conservation and community development can work hand in hand to create lasting, positive change," Willaredt says.

Derrick Emsley, CEO and Co-Founder of veritree, says that The Kenyan Mangrove Restoration Projects are not just about planting trees; they are also planting hope and Husqvarna's commitment to this project is making a real difference in local communities. 

"Husqvarna's funding for the projects is allowing us to focus on creating diverse, resilient ecosystems that support both wildlife and people," Emsley says. "One example of this is that the tree planting is being carried out by members of the local communities, empowering them to take an active role in restoring their environment."

Emsley adds that rehabilitating the mangrove forests not only helps break the poverty cycle by providing sustainable livelihoods but also revives fishing grounds, creating additional income streams for these communities.

Flora Awiro, COO of Earthlungs Reforestation, reiterates the value of Husqvarna's support for the projects, stating that the work being done will have an impact for years to come.

"We are working to re-establish the entire ecosystem to enhance tree cover over the terrestrial land, and with Husqvarna's funding, we're able to scale our efforts and create the lasting positive change that's needed," says Awiro. 

The Kenyan Mangrove Restoration Projects align with Husqvarna's broader sustainability goals, contributing to the preservation of green spaces and the support of biodiversity. As the company's first initiative in Africa, it joins a global portfolio of successful sustainability efforts, with Willaredt explaining that they chose these projects for the unique opportunity to restore vital mangrove ecosystems while also empowering local communities.

"It's incredibly rewarding to collaborate with veritree and Earthlungs on these transformative projects. Kenya's mangroves and forests are vital ecosystems that urgently need restoration. The approach they're taking — recognising the deep connection between ecosystem health, community well-being and climate action — represents a fresh perspective on environmental conservation, and we're proud to be part of it," Willaredt concludes.

For more information, visit www.impact.veritree.com/husqvarna. You can also follow Husqvarna on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.  

*Image courtesy of contributor