Plant Trees, Bag 5 Million
As Kenyans celebrate Mazingira Day, the Kenya Forest Service has rolled out an exciting rewards program aimed at recognizing individuals, organizations, communities, and institutions across Africa that excel in tree planting.
This initiative will culminate in the African Champion of Trees (ACT) awards, where winners will be celebrated and have a chance to win a grand prize of Ksh5 million, which they can use to support a tree planting project of their choice.
In collaboration with a local company, the awards feature eight categories, leading to a total of 34 winners, including one ultimate champion of trees in Kenya.
During an interview on Thursday, KFS Senior Deputy Conservator of Forests Clement Ng’oriareng’ emphasized that this initiative is crucial for helping the government achieve its ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, encouraging all interested Kenyans to submit their entries.
“We are going to reward anyone who has done exemplary work in planting trees from wherever they are, and we have various categories,” Ng’oriareng’ said
The award categories are quite diverse, including Individual, Group and Community, Corporate, NGO, Government Ministry, State Corporation, County Government, Special, Lifetime Achievement, and ACT Special Catalyst awards.
These awards will celebrate tree planting efforts made between January 1 and December 31, 2024. If you’re a Kenyan, part of a community, a company, or a group interested in participating, make sure to submit your entries by October 31 through the awards scheme website.
In the individual awards, you can find sub-categories like the Most Trees Grown by an Individual Award, Innovative Tree Growing Method Award, Young Tree Champion Award, and Community Tree Champion Award.
For the Group and Community Award, the sub-categories include Most Trees Grown Award, Best School Tree Growing Program Award, Best Community Tree Growing Award, Most Supportive Community Award, and the Best Community Forest Association Award.
Corporates can compete in sub-categories such as the Most Trees Grown by a Corporation Award, the Best Corporate Sustainability Initiative Award, and the Most Innovative Tree Growing Program Award. The NGO Awards feature the Most Trees Grown Award, the Support to Tree Growing Initiatives Award, and the Best NGO Sustainability Initiative Award.
Government institutions have their own set of awards, including the Best State Corporation Tree Growing Initiative Award, Best Government Entity Tree Growing Initiative Award, Most Trees Planted by a County Award, and Most Supportive County Government Award.
Special awards will recognize achievements like Forester of the Year, Ranger of the Year, Journalist Award, Media House Award, and Innovation Award. Lifetime Achievement awards will honor NGOs, Corporations, and Individuals, with a special mention for posthumous recognition.
Lastly, the ACT Catalyst awards will acknowledge the top financial contributors and in-kind supporters among NGOs and Individuals.
Mark your calendars for the award ceremony on Friday, October 24!
Plant Trees, Bag 5 Million
