UNESCO, Lukenya University plant 10,000 trees in Amboseli's Biosphere Reserve

To complement the tree planting, the marathon featured educational workshops on environmental conservation, sustainable living practices, and the importance of biodiversity conservation.

More than 2000 individuals joined the second 10 Million Tree Marathon, engaging in tree planting activities in Amboseli, alongside running and cycling challenges. 

Located in southern Kenya, the Amboseli UNESCO Biosphere Reserve stands out for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems, including basement plains, saline plains with freshwater swamps, and the striking volcanic slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. However, Amboseli faces critical environmental challenges, such as deforestation and the pervasive effects of climate change, highlighting the urgent need for conservation measures.

In a joint endeavor led by UNESCO's Regional Office for Eastern Africa and Lukenya University, the second 10 Million Tree Marathon was organized, marking a significant milestone in combating environmental degradation and climate change. Over 2000 enthusiastic participants, including runners, cyclists, and students from 15 schools, converged with a shared mission: to plant 10,000 trees along designated routes in Amboseli. The marathon hosted a series of activities that included 10Km and 5Km runs, and a 100Km cycling challenge; from 23 to 24 March, 2024. After completing their runs, participants engaged in tree planting, not only advancing towards a greener future but also embodying the spirit of collective action and global citizenship.  

To complement the tree planting, the marathon featured educational workshops on environmental conservation, sustainable living practices, and the importance of biodiversity conservation. These workshops aimed to raise awareness and equip participants, community members, and volunteers with essential knowledge and skills to champion ongoing environmental protection efforts.

The collective planting of 10,000 trees during the marathon has significantly contributed to restoring the ecosystem within the transition zone of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Amboseli, laying a strong foundation for future conservation endeavors. This event symbolizes a promising path forward, demonstrating that through unity and shared commitment, we can achieve meaningful positive impacts on our environment.  

This initiative forms part of UNESCO's broader Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) program, designed to foster resilient societies through sustainable practices. The Amboseli initiative serves as a compelling example of how collective efforts can lead to substantial environmental improvements, highlighting the strength of community involvement in conservation activities and emphasizing the critical importance of proactive engagement in preserving our planet.