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#WangariTrees: Planting trees in honour of ‘The Hummingbird’

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Last Updated on 30/9/11 06:54 Wanjeri Gakuru

On September 26^th 2011, Kenyans woke up to the devastating news that Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Muta Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement, had lost her battle to ovarian cancer at Nairobi Hospital aged 71 years.

Born in the village of Ihithe, near Nyeri, in the Central Highlands of Kenya on April 1, 1940, Wangari Maathai was a vivacious woman who was passionate about the environment. She did not shrink from a fight to save her cause, not even against the highest powers on the land.

In 1991, she was arrested and imprisoned; an Amnesty International letter-writing campaign helped free her.Several tributes have been arranged to honour the late professor’s life including a special tree planting exercise on Saturday, October 8th by Naomi Mutua, a young Kenyan lady who greatly admired the eco-warrior.

What does Prof. Wangari Maathai mean to you?

I remember watching TV when I was a child, and seeing scenes where Wangari Maathai’s activities and protests made the news. Back then, making the news when you were not part of the government, or an accident scene, was a big thing. So it clicked in my mind that it was significant. However, the full extent of her hard work and efforts did not hit me until I was old enough to understand why we need to conserve our environments – trees, water, and other natural resources – and why it makes for a peaceful world.

Wangari Maathai also went to my alma mater – Loreto Limuru. There is a sense of pride in having followed in similar footsteps to a certain point. Loreto taught me that I should be a woman of honour, determination and courage – all things that Wangari Maathai was.

She is a great role model for me and for other women, from her humble beginnings to the world recognition she received. But it’s her smallest steps that made her who she is, and that I aim to emulate. And she does remind me quite much of my own mother – the big smile, the dark skin, and the hairstyle!

How did the idea to have a tree planting exercise to honor the late Nobel Peace Prize winner come to be? Were you always big on environmental issues?

I admit, I never was BIG on environmental issues, but it’s the little things that stuck with me. In school, it was instilled in us not to litter. I don’t litter to date. My parents showed me how to care for plants, and in as much as I don’t have a green thumb, I try. I tend to have more success with animals!

The idea of #WangariTrees started off with a tweet, when I suggested that we plant a tree wherever we are, and others joined in. I looked for a way to converge at Karura Forest, and they were kind enough to provide the trees and land. We have the responsibility to care for the trees to maturity. I think it’s a good idea – instead of planting trees and walking away, leaving them to die. I took on this responsibility, so it’s up to me to ensure that the trees grow, and live to honour Wangari’s legacy. It’s my own little bit of doing something to further her work, and hopefully continue with this on for other generations.

How did you go about organizing it?

Erm… well, I’ve been running a bit crazy. When you think of the logistics – getting the contracts signed, providing the money needed to sustain the trees for a minimum of three years, getting the event to be a success…It’s a bit daunting, for someone who hadn’t done this before.

So I just gathered whatever resources I had in place, and since I’m planning for it to be quite a simple event, we don’t have much to worry about. We get there, plant trees, water them, and that’s it. No frivolities, no major speeches – just plant trees. And most importantly, I’ve been lucky to have two ladies helping me, especially with the running around. Njeri (@NjeriThande) and Rodah (@RodahDSwittest); they got some key errands run, and I am grateful to them.

Your blog and social networking sites have been your main tools in promoting your cause, what impact has this had on your efforts?

I used social media to spread the word, on both the event and fundraising, and my blog to post the actual detailed updates daily, keeping everyone informed. Emails back and forth with a few people have also helped especially in fundraising.

Twitter is a great force for gathering ideas and spreading word. It’s much more useful than Facebook. Messages are to the point, without beating around the bush. On the other hand, Facebook is key in getting events together – details are easy to find, and updates are in one central point.

On day 1 it was simply a tree planting exercise, now the plan has expanded, tell us about the evolution of the campaign and why you need to raise Kshs. 280,000.

Initially I wanted us to walk into Karura Forest and plant a tree and leave. However, having spoken to the foresters, I was educated on how hard it is to take care of the trees that are planted and abandoned. That’s why Wangari Maathai herself set up the policies that once you plant, you have to take care of that tree to ensure it gets to a self-sustaining age.

The Kshs. 280,000 all goes to Karura Forestry Services. They clear the land of the invasive lantana camara bushes, and dig holes. They also provide the trees. In turn, we pay them for the labour of preparing the site, and also for caring for the trees for three years. That means they take the bulk of the work from us, but we have to pay for it. A very fair agreement, in my opinion. They have to work through the dry months to ensure the trees have water, and also work through the years to ensure the seedlings are not covered by brush.

Will the figure cater for the maintenance of both tree planting sites (Karura Forest and Ngong Forest Sanctuary)?

No. Ngong Forest Sanctuary has its own trust in place. They approached me to simply spread the word for those who will not make it to Karura to go to Ngong, and for Kes. 50, plant a tree. They have a policy and staffing enough to cater for the care of the trees and their sustenance.

What has been the response from the people you've reached out to? And how much of the Kshs. 280,000 have you raised?

Hmm. It’s a fifty-fifty situation. The #WangariTrees initiative has taken off to great success. I mean, with over 1,000 (people) accepting the Facebook invite, that means that word has spread far.

However, on the fundraising, it is still a daunting task. Resolution Health has provided the bulk of the fundraising amount, and we thank them for that. Individuals though are still reluctant – I think they have donor fatigue. Also, given that this was a rushed idea, the corporate companies have been reluctant to get on board.

How can people track the donations made?

I have a spreadsheet online where I update every single pledge made and amounts donated.

Technology is great, right?

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Au-15Dn1B45LdG5GaUROcHFKdUdaT1daZFREUGFoaWc&hl=en_US#gid=0

How do you plan on making the campaign sustainable beyond October 8th?

As I said before, KFS needs me to sustain the trees till they mature, and that’s about three years’ time. I will have to sit down and make a plan that captures this better, and make sure I raise all the funds needed for this.

In addition, I would like #WangariTrees to grow beyond Karura Forest. Nairobi has a lot of open space that has no trees. And more importantly, there are great arid and semi-arid places in Kenya that need trees and cover desperately. If I can, I hope #WangariTrees will grow beyond Karura, and make her dream of a greener Kenya come to life.

In intend to work closely with the Green Belt Movement and other organizations on this, if possible. We are all focused on the same goal – remembering Wangari Maathia’s legacy, and making a better world.

Parting shot?

I have learned that our heroes need to be celebrated early in life, when they can see the rewards of their work, and the appreciation in our hearts.

We waited for the world to recognize Wangari Maathai’s work by awarding her the Nobel Prize. While we might not be able to award them on such levels, we can do it in our own small ways. Let’s open our eyes, ears and hearts and listen to those who REALLY have Kenya in their heart, and who are working for peace and development without engaging in personal gain and sideshows, aka our politicians. We don’t need politicians, we need public servants. There’s a big different.

I hope to see you all out there!