NCBA Leads Mangrove Planting and Coastal Cleanup in Kwale to Mark World Environment Day
NCBA, in partnership with Boreka Group, the Kenya Forest Service, Kwale County Government, NEMA, and local communities, led the planting of 3,000 mangrove trees and a coastal cleanup in Diani, Kwale County, to celebrate World Environment Day 2025 under the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution.”
Now in its third year, NCBA’s collaboration with Boreka has seen 180,000 trees planted in Kitui and Kwale, with a 75% seedling survival rate. The initiative has trained over 1,000 farmers in sustainable agroforestry, created nearly 400 green jobs, and empowered Boreka staff and communities through ESG and climate awareness training.
“Plastic pollution represents one of the most significant environmental challenges, posing a grave threat to marine life and coastal ecosystems worldwide. At NCBA, we continue to execute our 15 Sustainability commitments ensuring we Change The Story of the communities we operate in. ” NCBA Group Director Marketing, Communication & Citizenship, Nelly Wainaina, said.
”We are committed to taking decisive action through the planting of mangroves to restore vital coastal habitats. Furthermore, we aim to empower local communities and partners to engage in sustainable, long-term initiatives to mitigate ocean-bound plastic waste.”
The Chale-Diani area, situated along Kenya’s southern coast in Kwale County, is renowned for its rich biodiversity and ecological significance. This region encompasses vital marine and coastal habitats, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests, which support diverse marine life such as turtles, fish, and invertebrates. NCBA’s efforts aim to restore the ecosystem and help local communities adapt to climate change and improve their livelihoods.
As part of World Environment Day, NCBA held educational sessions with local schools and youth groups to increase understanding of plastic pollution and to underscore the important functions of mangroves in safeguarding coastlines, sustaining fisheries, and capturing carbon in Diani, Kwale County.
This initiative goes beyond a mere event; it represents a movement. Plastic pollution harms ecosystems, endangers wildlife, poses risks to human health, and contributes to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions from its production and disposal. I commend NCBA for their dedication to long-term environmental stewardship and for leading the way in advancing climate action in Kenya,” stated Neema Suya, Kwale County Chief Officer for Environment.
