Ted Talks Daily – The tree-growing movement restoring Africa’s vital landscapes | Wanjira Mathai

Intro

In this episode of Ted Talks Daily, Wanjira Mathai discusses the tree-growing movement that is restoring Africa’s vital landscapes. She highlights the importance of restoration in breaking the cycle of degradation and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Mathai also emphasizes the role of locally-led and managed initiatives in delivering long-term success and economic and environmental benefits.

Main Takeaways

Restoration Champions in Kenya

• The Green Belt movement, led by 5,000 women, has successfully planted 50 million trees in Kenya.
• Exotic EPZ, a company founded by Jane Maigua, Charity Wangui, and Lois Maina, partners with 9,000 farmers to process and sell Macedonia nuts globally.

Entrepreneurship and Poverty Reduction

• Women in Maragua are using bamboo for entrepreneurship, restoration, and firewood, helping reduce poverty and secure livelihoods.

AFR100 Initiative

• AFR100 is an Africa-wide initiative aiming to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.
• AFR100 aims to replicate successful restoration practices across Africa to reverse deforestation.

Locally-Led Restoration Initiatives

• Locally-led and managed restoration initiatives are 20 times more likely to deliver long-term success and economic and environmental benefits.

Summary

Restoration Champions in Kenya

The Green Belt movement, led by 5,000 women, has become a successful restoration champion in Kenya. Through their efforts, they have planted an impressive 50 million trees, contributing to the restoration of vital landscapes. Another notable initiative is Exotic EPZ, a company founded by Jane Maigua, Charity Wangui, and Lois Maina. They have partnered with 9,000 farmers across Kenya to process and sell Macedonia nuts globally, promoting sustainable farming practices and economic growth.

Entrepreneurship and Poverty Reduction

In Maragua, women have embraced bamboo as a means of entrepreneurship, restoration, and firewood production. By utilizing bamboo, they are not only contributing to the restoration of degraded land but also reducing poverty and securing their livelihoods. This innovative approach showcases the potential for sustainable economic growth through environmental restoration.

AFR100 Initiative

The AFR100 initiative is a significant Africa-wide effort to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. By replicating successful restoration practices across the continent, AFR100 aims to reverse deforestation and mitigate the impacts of climate change. This initiative serves as a catalyst for collaboration and knowledge sharing among restoration champions throughout Africa.

Locally-Led Restoration Initiatives

The importance of locally-led and managed restoration initiatives cannot be overstated. These initiatives are 20 times more likely to deliver long-term success and provide both economic and environmental benefits. By empowering local communities and encouraging their involvement in restoration efforts, we can ensure sustainable and impactful results.

Conclusion

The tree-growing movement in Africa, led by restoration champions and locally-led initiatives, is making significant strides in restoring vital landscapes. These efforts not only combat degradation and climate change but also promote economic growth and improve livelihoods. By investing in initiatives like the Green Belt movement, Exotic EPZ, and the AFR100 initiative, we can restore landscapes and secure a more sustainable future for Africa and the world.