Proposed upcoming Project: Enhancing Watershed Conservation and Climate Resilience through Tree Planting in Kiambu and Murang’a Counties

Background and Rationale

COSDEP recognizes the critical role of forests and riparian zones in water catchment health, climate resilience, and soil conservation. Our target is to plant over 50,000 indigenous and fruit trees across key watersheds in Kiambu and Murang’a counties within two years, restoring degraded ecosystems, reducing erosion, and enhancing biodiversity. This initiative aligns with our core values of sustainability, community involvement, and climate action.

Objectives

• Primary Objective:
  Increase forest cover and riparian zone vegetation through planting 50,000 trees by December 2025.
• Specific Objectives:
  • Establish 10 community-managed nurseries producing indigenous and fruit tree seedlings.
  • Plant an average of 25,000 trees annually along riparian zones, degraded lands, and community farms.
  • Build local capacity on tree nursery management, planting techniques, and ecosystem conservation.
  • Raise community awareness on watershed importance and ecosystem restoration

Expected Outcomes

• Environmental:
  • 50,000 indigenous and fruit trees planted and established within two years.
  • Restoration of degraded riparian and watershed areas, reducing erosion and improving water infiltration.
  • Increased biodiversity and habitat connectivity.
• Social:
  • Empowered communities with skills in nursery management, tree planting, and ecosystem conservation.
  • Increased community awareness and participation in environmental stewardship.
• Climate Resilience:
  • Enhanced watershed resilience to climate change effects, such as droughts and floods.
  • Improved water retention and quality for downstream users.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Establish baseline data on current forest cover and watershed conditions.
• Conduct quarterly monitoring visits to assess seedling survival and planting success.
• Use photo documentation, GPS mapping, and community feedback.
• Produce progress reports biannually and a final impact assessment at project end.

Sustainability Strategy

• Build capacity of local community groups to manage nurseries beyond project duration.
• Establish partnerships with local schools and government agencies for ongoing tree planting.
• Promote integration of tree planting into local land use and conservation policies.

Through this targeted tree planting initiative, COSDEP aims to restore critical water catchments, enhance biodiversity, and build resilient communities. We invite Plant for the Planet to partner with us in achieving these goals by supporting our efforts to plant and nurture 50,000 trees over the next two years.

Proposed Budget: Kes 10, 000, 000 or USD 76,832.