Felicia and I are often reminded of the incredible power of mother nature with her endless bounty and ability to regenerate. However, we are also very aware of her extreme vulnerability, particularly as humans around the world put their needs above nature’s, forgetting that we can only survive – and indeed thrive – if nature is also allowed to flourish.
As with so many countries around the world, Kenya has experienced high levels of deforestation. Despite the fundamental importance of trees, the Kenyan state has historically viewed and dealt with forests in terms of production and economic development, rather than biodiversity and conservation.
Increasingly, we are all taught from a young age that trees are integral to the health of the planet – providing oxygen, improving air quality, conserving water, preserving soil, and supporting wildlife.
Despite this, from 2001 to 2022, Kenya lost 375 kha of tree cover, equivalent to an 11% decrease in tree cover since 2000. To counter this trend, a wonderful initiative has been created: Seedballs Kenya has pioneered a low cost method of mass producing seedballs for the efficient reintroduction of trees and grass species into degraded areas in Africa.
Founded by Teddy Kinyanjui and Elsen Karstad, Seedballs Kenya uses waste charcoal dust from the charcoal industry, and mixes the seeds from carefully selected indigenous trees with the dust, as well as a nutritious binder to produce tiny balls. The charcoal dust both protects the seeds from predators and conveniently provides the right nutrients to help the seeds germinate.
Across Kenya, over 13 million seedballs have now been distributed, with similar initiatives taking place around the world.
Testament to Seedballs Kenya’s ingenuity and dedication to the cause was their inclusion in Sir David Attenborough’s Green Planet.
As a company that is very much enmeshed with mother nature, it is our hope that as the months and years progress, so too do efforts across the world to protect and preserve this wonderful planet that we call home. We wholeheartedly support the efforts of Seedballs Kenya and applaud their creativity and commitment to a greener nation.
If you would like to find out more about Seedballs Kenya and support the work of this fantastic initiative, please click here.