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My deep thanks go to First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto for her wonderful new initiative to grow 500 million trees by 2032. The First Lady’s initiative show real environmental leadership, a quality that Kenya has shown in abundance.
Her initiative is a huge boost to Kenya’s National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme. Under this programme, the government, led by H.E. President Ruto, aims to plant 15 billion trees and increase Kenya’s forest cover to over 30 per cent by 2032.
Such efforts are hugely important to slowing the triple planetary crisis: the crisis of climate change, the crisis of nature and biodiversity loss, and the crisis of pollution and waste. And they are a huge contribution to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, which is supporting global commitments to restore one billion hectares of land.
This global agenda is about restoring green spaces. Reviving oceans. Restoring farmlands. All of which will slow climate change. Bring back biodiversity. Increase food security. Create resilience, jobs and better health. Kenya well understands the need for such action, as millions are being affected by environmental degradation in the Horn of Africa.
It is also fitting that the first tree is being planted in Karura Forest, Africa’s largest green space. This verdant space demonstrates that nature provides a vital lifeline to people in urban spaces. This forest, which covers 1,000 hectares, has 50,000 visitors each month. It truly is a haven for city dwellers, who flock here to seek peace under the swaying branches. Karura Forest is an example that can be followed across African cities, which will be home to over one billion people by 2050.
So, I am deeply grateful to the first lady and Kenya for their leadership. For hosting UNEP and the United Nations Environment Assembly, the sixth edition of which is happening right now. For hosting last year’s Africa Climate Summit. And for envisioning a Kenya powered fully by renewable energy by 2030. And, of course, for being the birthplace of the world-renowned Wangaari Mathai and Green Belt Movement, which has inspired so many people.
To end the triple planetary crisis, we will need leadership, financing, solidarity and coordination. Today, the First Lady and her office are demonstrating all these qualities. I hope to see the trees being planted grow strong and tall, and serve as a symbol that change is not just possible, but inevitable.
