WANGARE MAATHAI; OUR HEROINE IS GONE, BUT OUR FIGHT CONTINUES

WANGARE MAATHAIREST IN PEACE, MOTHER

Kijabe Young Entrepreneurs Association pledges to join with other comrades to continue your struggle to conserve our environment. Mother, You have taught us well. We now know the enemy, we now have a strategy. We have seen our future flash in your eyes, as you courageously faced the destroyers of our heritage.

This day we pledge to you, dear Mother, Your tears shall not have been in vain.

We will not rest, we will not waver, until our environment is secure.

You started the battle, we will finish the war.

WE WILL NOT FORGET YOUR TEARS

NOW MAY YOU REST IN PEACE AND HAPPINESS

WE WILL PROTECT YOUR BELOVED PLANET

Hello world!

HELP STOP THE RAPE OF KIJABE FOREST!

Kijabe is a natural forested enclave which sits on the brink of the breathtaking Great Rift Valley, in the heart of Kenya. This pristine African jungle wonderland which once hosted a US president in search of big game, is now fighting for its life from the most serious environmental threat in its history. Over the last 5 years or so, Illegal loggers have reduced the ancient forest to a shell.  As late as May this year, the police have had to patrol the forest as the shameless invaders scramble to finish off the remaining trees.

The impacts of the loss of this natural treasure are enormous: Loss of agricultural potential, leading to general decline in economic activity,  contributing to unemployment and its attendant social ills (including increased drug and alcohol consumption and insecurity) among the youth. Conflicts over water between herders (Maasai) and farmers in Maii-Mahiu, due to the drying up of rivers, etc, etc.

We are slowly but surely losing our home and heritage.

Young people prepare for action to save their forest!

The residents are tired of waiting for a solution. Corruption and apathy have eroded much of the peoples confidence  in the official forestry management system.

We have decided to act.

The Kijabe Young EntrepWe, a local youth group: KIJABE YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ASSOCIATION (KYEA), have embarked on an ambitious project to replant 10,000 trees per year, in the decimated Kijabe Forest. This ambitious youth group is also establishing a 10,000 tree nursery located at the Maingi Cattle Dip, and will soon embark on community awareness activities, including putting up billboards and painting murals with their conservation message in schools and churches.This will include training the residents in alternative energy sources, environmental conservation, and even reconciliation of the communities in conflict.

Help us save this beautiful corner of Africa, thus secure our futures and our beautiful country.

Call us to know how you can support this struggle, or visit us at the site. We need material and moral support. We shall soon announce a massive tree planting day, and we hope to see you there.

Click on About to learn more about Kijabe and KYEA.

KYEA members prepare nursery beds. The first 10,000 tree planting is slated for April 2012