One Tourist, One Tree: Kenya's bold initiative to enhance tree cover through Eco-Tourism

In a groundbreaking move to bolster tree cover and promote sustainable tourism, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has launched the "One Tourist, One Tree" campaign.

This initiative aims to engage every visitor to Kenya in planting a tree, marking a significant step toward improving the country's biodiversity and positioning it as a leader in eco-friendly tourism.

Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtua launched the campaign during a tree-planting event at Kajulu Hills Forest in Kisumu County, part of the Western tourism circuit. Ololtua highlighted the importance of balancing tourism growth with conservation in order to secure a sustainable future for Kenya's tourism industry.

"Tourism contributes 10% of our GDP and employs one in ten people globally. However, it accounts for 8% of greenhouse gas emissions. With global tourist arrivals expected to reach 1.8 billion by 2030, sustainable practices are crucial to preserving the natural and cultural assets that draw visitors to Kenya," Ololtua said.

The "One Tourist, One Tree" initiative supports Kenya's ambitious goal of increasing tree cover to 30% by 2032, which will involve the planting of 15 billion trees nationwide. This initiative invites tourists to help offset their carbon footprints by actively participating in tree-planting activities, thereby contributing to Kenya's reforestation and biodiversity efforts.

"As a ministry, we are committed to the government's reforestation agenda. Today, we issue a call to action for every visitor to play a role in elevating Kenya’s status as a leading sustainable tourism destination in Africa and the world," Ololtua added.

The program will be rolled out in collaboration with key stakeholders in the tourism sector, including hotels, tour operators, and community-based organizations, ensuring broad participation in conservation activities.

Kisumu County’s CEC for Trade, Tourism, and Marketing, Farida Salim, expressed gratitude to the Ministry for choosing Kisumu as the venue for this year’s Tourism Week and World Tourism Day celebrations, scheduled for September 27th. She emphasized that conservation is a cornerstone of Kisumu’s tourism strategy.

“Kisumu is proud to host the 2024 World Tourism Week. Kajulu Forest, with its rich biodiversity and indigenous trees, is poised to become a focal point for eco-tourism in the Western Circuit,” Salim said.

The campaign also aligns with the county's broader sustainability goals. Through these initiatives, local communities will be supported in transitioning to clean energy solutions, reducing their dependence on charcoal and preventing further deforestation.

Kenya Tourism Board CEO June Chepkemei lauded the initiative, calling it a milestone in Kenya's efforts to promote responsible tourism. She highlighted Kajulu Forest as a premier eco-tourism destination, urging local communities to champion its preservation.

"Kenya’s natural beauty and diverse wildlife are at the core of its allure. By integrating sustainability into our tourism strategy, we are not only attracting conscientious travelers but also protecting our natural heritage for future generations," said Chepkemei.

The "One Tourist, One Tree" campaign will be a focal point of this year’s Kenya Tourism Week activities, culminating in World Tourism Day on September 27th. The 45th edition of World Tourism Day, themed "Tourism and Peace," will emphasize tourism’s role in fostering peace, unity, and cultural understanding.

This initiative marks a step forward in Kenya's efforts to promote eco-friendly travel while preserving its rich biodiversity, ensuring that every visitor leaves a lasting and positive environmental impact.