Despite their extraordinary ecological value, Kenya's mangroves face extensive degradation due to urban expansion, deforestation and overharvesting, threatening biodiversity and coastal communities.

Kenya's mangrove forests are among the country's most critical habitats in the fight against climate change.  These vital ecosystems serve as essential breeding grounds for marine life, shield the coastline from storms and act as powerful, natural carbon sinks, storing up to four times more carbon per hectare than traditional forests. 

In response to this alarming trend, an ambitious environmental restoration initiative - known as the Kenyan Mangrove Restoration Project - is taking root along Kenya's coast. The project results from a collaboration between Husqvarna and international environmental organisations Veritree and Earthlungs. Their mission? To plant more than 300,000 mangrove trees to revitalise the country's critical mangrove ecosystems. 

"Through our partnership with Veritree and Earthlungs, we aim to promote knowledge, support local communities, and champion tree planting," explained Jonas Willaredt, Vice President of Sustainability Affairs, Strategy & Business Development at Husqvarna Forest and Garden. 

"While the environmental benefits are significant, the community impact makes this project truly transformative," notes Willaredt. "It demonstrates how environmental conservation and community development can work hand in hand to create lasting, positive change." 

Derrick Emsley, CEO and co-founder of Veritree said the project is making a real difference in local communities by creating diverse, resilient ecosystems that support wildlife and people.

"One example of this is that the tree planting is being carried out by members of the local communities, empowering them to take an active role in restoring their environment." 

He said that rehabilitating the mangrove forests helps break the poverty cycle by providing sustainable livelihoods and reviving traditional fishing grounds, creating additional income streams for these communities.

Commented Flora Awiro, COO of Earthlungs Reforestation: "We are working to re-establish the entire ecosystem to enhance tree cover over the terrestrial land, and with Husqvarna's funding, we're able to scale our efforts and create the lasting positive change that's needed."

"It's incredibly rewarding to collaborate with Veritree and Earthlungs on these transformative projects," said Willaredt. 

"The approach they're taking – recognising the deep connection between ecosystem health, community well-being, and climate action – represents a fresh perspective on environmental conservation, and we're proud to be part of it."

Progress on the Kenyan Mangrove Restoration Projects can be tracked through Veritree's monitoring system at https://impact.veritree.com/husqvarna